Italy will continue its policy on urging the European Union to lift weapons export ban on China and to recognize China's full market economy status, said Italian Deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini on Wednesday.

Fini, also the Italian Foreign Minister, made the pledge when meeting with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC).

Fini said the Italian government will make efforts to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China.

Wang and his CPC delegation arrived in Italy on Monday for a four-day good-will visit as the first stop of their European tour. They will also visit Germany and the European Parliament.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2005)