China is ready to work with Italy to improve bilateral security cooperation mechanisms to better safeguard the security interests of both countries, Chen Wenqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has said.

Chen, also head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani here on Friday.

In the face of the complex international situation and severe global challenges, China is also willing to work with Italy to comprehensively strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields and at all levels, and make new contributions to safeguarding security interests of the two countries, he said.

Chen noted that China attaches great importance to its relations with Italy, and regards Italy as a comprehensive strategic partner and a positive force for promoting the sound development of China-EU relations.

China and Italy are both ancient civilizations with a long history of friendly exchanges, broad common interests and profound foundation for cooperation, Chen said, adding that the two countries should inherit and carry forward their tradition of friendship and continue to set a good example for countries with different social systems and cultural backgrounds to develop bilateral friendly ties.

Noting that the year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Chen expressed his hope that the two sides will work together to implement well the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and push for steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.

Chen noted that law enforcement and security cooperation is an important part and positive driving force of China's relations with Italy. Over the years, he said, relevant departments of the two countries have achieved practical cooperation results in such fields as counterterrorism, maintaining security of large-scale events and combating transnational organized crimes.

For his part, Tajani spoke highly of the current close communication and high-level political exchanges between Italy and China. Noting that China is an important partner and Italy enjoys broad and diversified cooperation with China, he said more achievements could be made in security cooperation.

Italy is willing to strengthen law enforcement and security exchanges and cooperation with China to safeguard the security of their people, Tajani said.

During his visit to Italy, Chen also met with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and other heads of Italian departments.

【Source: Xinhua News Agency】