Premier Wen Jiabao and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Friday pledged to expand the co-operation between the two countries in a wide range of areas.

Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi inspect honour guards in Beijing on Friday. Berlusconi, who currently holds the European Union presidency, is heading an EU delegation and chairing the one-day summit alongside Premier Wen Jiabao.[newsphoto.com.cn]

In order to realize the goal, Wen offered three proposals:

I. Keep the frequent exchange of high-level visits and strengthen bilateral dialogue and consultation as well as the co-ordination within the United Nations and other international organizations;

II. Further tap the potential to expand trade and economic co-operation, promote co-operation between their small and medium-sized enterprises, and strive to explore new fields;

III. Strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the judicial field, culture and education, science and technology, environmental protection and tourism.

Wen highly valued the achievements that the two countries have made since diplomatic relations were established 33 years ago, saying that bilateral political relations have been more solid and the two countries have enjoyed good co-operation in the international field.

Wen said that the two sides have seen more frequent exchanges in various fields, such as culture, education and science.

Italy has become China's fourth-largest trading partner among European Union nations. Wen said that China's trade with Italy is expected to surpass US$10 billion this year.

Berlusconi, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, said that Europe-China ties have entered a new stage and there are brilliant prospects for co-operation between Italy and China. Italy values the positive role China plays in the international arena, and is willing to deepen friendship and expand co-operation, Berlusconi said.

After their talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony witnessing the signing of a memorandum between the two governments on the establishment of cultural centres in both countries.

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