BEIJING, May 22 -- China and Italy have signed an agreement to launch a regular parliamentary exchange mechanism in a bid to enhance bilateral cooperation. The agreement was signed by visiting Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, Wu Bangguo, and Italian Senate President, Renato Schifani. Pei Jian has more.

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, shakes hands with Renato Schifani, the Senate speaker of Italy, in Rome, capital of Italy, May 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    Wu Bangguo said the regular exchange mechanism could serve as an important platform that facilitates in-depth dialogue between the two countries.

    He said the NPC and the Italian Senate would enhance mutual understanding and build strategic mutual trust by carrying out high level parliamentary exchanges.

    Wu also praised China-Italy relations, saying bilateral ties have maintained a sound momentum of rapid development, especially since 2004. That's when the two countries forged the all-round strategic partnership.

    Wu said China is willing to work with Italy to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields and jointly tackle the global financial crisis.

Wu Bangguo (2nd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, holds a talk with Renato Schifani (2nd L), the Senate speaker of Italy, in Rome, capital of Italy, May 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    For his part, Schifani said the Italian Senate is ready to strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels and in various fields with the NPC. This to promote their political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Schifani said China's fast economic development is not only conducive to world peace and prosperity.It also brings great opportunities to the economic growth of countries around the world.

    During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on the global financial crisis and issues of common concern.

    After the meeting, Wu Bangguo and Schifani signed an agreement on establishing a mechanism of regular exchanges between the Chinese NPC and the Italian Senate.

Wu Bangguo (L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, shakes hands with Renato Schifani (R, front), the Senate speaker of Italy, after signing an agreement on bilateral exchange mechanism, in Rome, capital of Italy, May 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    Also on Wednesday, Wu Bangguo met with Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi. Both sides expressed willingness to strengthening economic cooperation as a way to counter the impact of the international financial crisis.

    (Source: CCTV.com)

China, Italy launch regular parliamentary exchange mechanism

    ROME, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy on Wednesday signed an agreement to launch a regular parliamentary exchange mechanism in a bid to enhance bilateral cooperation.

    The agreement, first of its kind between the two countries, was signed by visiting Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's top legislature National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo and Italian Senate President Renato Schifani. Full story 

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