Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Monday that China and Italy can strengthen their cooperation in a number of areas to "enrich bilateral relations."

During a meeting with visiting Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Wen proposed that China and Italy can advance their cooperation in political, economic, cultural, educational, tourism and media sectors.

China and Italy established diplomatic relations 34 years ago. Earlier this year, Beijing and Rome agreed to set up "full-range strategic partnership relations" and formed a China-Italy governmental commission to guide the growth of relations.

"Two-way visits at different levels between the two countries have been frequent, and bilateral cooperation vigorous," Wen noted. "We have had close coordination in international arenas."

On his first state visit to China as president of Italy, Ciampi said he agreed with Wen's proposals on developing bilateral ties.

The president compared the current visit with his first visit to China in 1983 as governor of the central bank of Italy and said Italy-China cooperation has had fruitful results.

The Italian president said his current visit to China aims to enhance relations with China in areas of politics, culture and economy.

Ciampi, accompanied by a number of ministers of the Italian cabinet, arrived in Beijing on Saturday.

The president also stressed the one-China policy and said Italy hopes to work with China and bring bilateral relationship to higher level.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2004)