Premier Zhu Rongji reaffirmed China's willingness to continue to develop bilateral relations with Britain and Italy in Johannesburg on Monday.

He made such a stance clear during separate meetings with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The leaders are in Johannesburg for the Earth Summit.

According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Zhu told Blair that China is delighted at the development of bilateral relations in areas such as exchanges of high-level visits, trade and economy, culture, science and technology and finance.

Zhu noted that China and Britain - both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - should enhance communication on major international issues.

Zhu's remarks were echoed by Blair, who said his country also attaches importance to developing ties with China and seeks strengthened consultation and co-operation on global issues.

While meeting Berlusconi, Zhu highlighted the increased interest of Italian enterprises in investing in China, particularly co-operation between small and medium-sized enterprises of the two countries.

He also told Berlusconi that China thinks highly of the role played by Italy in the European Union as well as in international affairs.

(China Daily September 3, 2002)