China's top legislator Wu Bangguo met with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in Rome on Thursday afternoon, and the two leaders exchanged views on how to address the current global financial crisis.

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, talks with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in Rome, May 21, 2009. [Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top Chinese legislature, said China is positive about the results of the London G20 summit and appreciates the efficient efforts that Italy has made in preparation for the dialogue meeting between the leaders of G20 countries and five major developing countries (8+5 dialogue).

Wu emphasized that against the background that the financial crisis continues to spread in the world, the international community should strengthen cooperation by implementing the consensus of the G20 summit, curbing the slide of economy and opposing protectionism. In the meantime, the international community should push forward reform of the international financial system and establish a new order of world economy.

Napolitano agreed with Wu's comment, saying that the global impact of financial crisis proved the increasingly close links among different economies. He said global challenges call for a globalized resolution. Italy is ready to strengthen cooperation with China and other developing countries at the 8+5 dialogue.

Napolitano stressed that Italy will join hands with China to firmly oppose trade protectionism and address the international financial crisis.

On China-EU relations, Wu said a strong Europe and a developing China share broad common interest and can contribute to world peace and development. He said China supports the integration process of the European Union, adding that the EU should play an active role in regional and international affairs.

Wu said China places great importance on developing relations with the EU. He expressed the wish to deepen practical cooperation in all fields and expand trade and investment. He said the two sides should carry out dialogues and communication on major issues on the basis of mutual respect of sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Napolitano said as an important member of the EU, Italy is ready to play a constructive role in the regional bloc and help push for a healthy, stable development of EU-China relations.

Napolitano said China's development will not only benefit the Chinese people, but also contribute to peace and development of the world.

Wu said that China is still a developing country, with its per capita GDP ranking below 100th place in the world. He said China will continue to focus on development by working on economic restructuring and industry upgrading. China has adopted composite measures to address both current difficulties and long-term need so as to achieve all-round, balanced and sustainable development.

Wu is on an official goodwill visit to Italy.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2009)