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)