On the afternoon of July 19, 2011, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Li said in recent years, China-Italy relations have been developing smoothly. Both sides have always respected each other's core concerns and deepened pragmatic cooperation especially in the areas of environmental protection, science and technology. In the current situation, China is willing to strengthen political dialogue, advance pragmatic cooperation in all areas and enhance coordination on international affairs with Italy to promote world peace and development.

Li said the European sovereign debt crisis indicates the deep impact of the international financial crisis has not been removed and the world economic recovery still faces many uncertainties. "China and Europe are important trading partners, and we hope and believe that the European Union will be able to achieve steady economic growth," Li said, adding that China's 12th Five-year Plan for national development will provide new opportunities for deepening China-Italy, China-EU cooperation, and China will work with Italy in this regard.

Frattini introduced his country's views on the European sovereign debt crisis, saying Italy attaches high importance to its relationship with China and is ready to strengthen bilateral political dialogue and substantial cooperation. Frattini said Italy holds an open attitude toward high-tech cooperation with China. Italy will also help promote further development of EU-China relations.