ROME, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano here Monday for talks on the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy.

    The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern, Chinese diplomats said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R Front), accompanied by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (L Front), inspects the guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony Napolitano hosts for Hu, in Rome, capital of Italy, July 6, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Before their talks, the Chinese president attended a welcome ceremony hosted by Napolitano.

    Hu is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and other Italian leaders later in the day to discuss the development of bilateral cooperation.

    Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo, who was accompanying Hu on his visit to Italy, told reporters Sunday that China and Italy would sign as many as eight deals during Hu's visit.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) and his wife Liu Yongqing (1st L) pose for a photo with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (2nd R) and his wife Clio Napolitano during a welcoming ceremony Napolitano hosts for Hu, in Rome, capital of Italy, July 6, 2009. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun) Photo Gallery>>>

    The deals cover a wide range of fields like purchasing Italian goods, economic cooperation, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchanges, Wu said.

    In recent years, the development of China-Italy ties have maintained momentum with frequent exchanges of high-level visits, close coordination in dealing with world affairs, expansion of people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.

    China is now Italy's important trading partner with two-way trade totaling 38.2 billion US dollars in 2008 despite the slowdown of the global economy.

    The two countries have also expanded cooperation in economy, culture, science and environmental protection in recent years.

    Hu arrived here Sunday for a state visit and will also attend an outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit in the central city of L'Aquila. After the meeting, Hu will visit Portugal.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing wave upon their arrival at Rome, Italy, July 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Photo Gallery>>>

    ROME, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here Sunday for a state visit, and he will attend the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit scheduled for Thursday in the central Italian city of L'aquila.

    In a statement released upon his arrival at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Hu said he is very glad to come to this beautiful country for a state visit at the invitation of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. Full story

China, Italy to sign 8 deals

    ROME, July 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy are to sign as many as eight deals during Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to the country, senior Chinese official said here on Sunday.

    The deals cover a wide range of fields like purchasing Italian goods, economic cooperation, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange, said Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo, who was accompanying President Hu to visit Italy and attend the G8 Summit. Full story

Italian president hails Italy-China ties, China's role in world affairs

    ROME, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Italian President Giorgio Napolitano praised the relations between Italy and China and China's role in international affairs during a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Italy.

    The Italian president said Italy-China ties have seen rapid development in recent years, and the mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries have also been deepened. Full story

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