Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday wrapped up a "successful" visit to Italy and arrived in London for a three-day official visit to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

China and Italy signed a first-ever joint communique Friday night local time, calling on the nations to establish a stable, friendly, long-term and sustainable strategic partnership, as well to safeguard world peace and security through bilateral and multilateral joint efforts.

The communique, which was signed after talks between Wen and his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi on Friday night in Rome, also indicated the two leaders have agreed to set up a China-Italy governmental committee to upgrade bilateral co-operation in all areas.

"It is the first time that China and Italy have issued such a communique since the two countries established diplomatic ties 34 years ago, and also the first time for China to set up such a high-level, co-ordinating body with a foreign government," the Chinese premier told reporters at a joint news conference.

"China and Italy, both shouldering important responsibilities in international and regional affairs, should further contribute to consolidating Sino-European ties," the communique stated.

The document went on to say the two nations will enhance contacts and strengthen dialogue in anti-terror, the prevention of nuclear proliferation and the protection of human rights, along with co-operating in international organizations."

The two leaders agreed to co-operation on reforms of the United Nations Security Council.

On the Taiwan question, the Italian Government reaffirmed its stance backing the one-China policy and its opposition to any steps that would change Taiwan's status and harm relations across the Taiwan Straits, it said.

The communique also pointed out that Sino-Italian economic co-operation and trade enjoy great potential since each is highly complementary and can bring benefits.

"The two governments will strengthen co-ordination, services and other functions in such areas within the framework of fully respecting the World Trade Organization principles, and create more favourable conditions for further development, with promoting two-way investment as a priority," the communique said.

With China and Italy each enjoying great historical pasts and ancient civilizations, the two leaders also discussed ways to enhance co-operation in culture, film and television, Wen said.

The Chinese premier also met with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on Friday.

China is willing to increase co-operation on major international issues with Italy and other countries of the 25-member European Union (EU), Wen told Ciampi.

The Italian president said China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, plays a positive role in maintaining peace and stability and Italy highly appreciates the Chinese efforts at world stability.

During his visit in UK, Wen is expected to meet Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday and hold talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Monday.

Wen also will meet British 48 Group Club principals.

It was shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China that the 48 Group Club made a historic ice-breaking voyage to commence trade with China.

(China Daily 05/10/2004 page1)