Seek to strengthen ties with China, says Italy

Beijing Dec 18 (IANS/AKI) Italy on Monday said it is eager to build stronger bilateral relations with China and boost "our strategic and comprehensive partnership" as Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano began a two-day visit to Beijing.

"FM #Alfano meets (China s) minister of foreign affairs Wang Yi Our common aim is to further deepen our traditional friendship and to step up our strategic and comprehensive partnership " said the Italian embassy here in a tweet.

Also on Monday the two countries signed an accord for the export to China of pet food from Italy the embassy tweeted.

Alfano is also scheduled to met top Chinese officials and Italians living and working in the Chinese capital the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Alfano s first scheduled meeting was with his Chinese counterpart Wang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

The two then chaired the 8th Plenary session of the Italy-China Government Committee and signed a joint statement.

At the end of the first day Alfano met the Italian and Chinese press.

On Tuesday the agenda of Alfano s visit includes a meeting with State Councillor for Foreign Affairs and Politburo member Yang Jiechi at the Zhongnanhai State Residence the ministry said.

--IANS/AKI
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