Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Thursday afternoon with Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who is here to attend the Asia-Europe summit scheduled for Oct. 24 to 25.

Wen told Berlusconi that China appreciates the Italian government's active efforts to promote cooperation with China and the development of China-EU relations.

Hailing the good momentum of China-Italy relations, Wen said China is ready to maintain high-level visits and consultation at all levels and enhance coordination in international affairs.

He called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection, new energy, urban construction and creative designs, step up the protection of IPR in both countries, and increase cultural exchanges. 

He stressed that the two countries should make joint efforts to make bilateral trade and investment grow continuously.

Berlusconi said Italy hopes to continue the good cooperation with China to advance the relationship towards comprehensive development.  

He said he admired China's great development achievements in recent years, and congratulated China's success in the Beijing Olympic Games and the Shenzhou 7 manned space flight mission.

Berlusconi arrived here Thursday afternoon to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

 (Source: Xinhua)