China, Italy to enhance security

ROME - China and Italy on Wednesday vowed to strengthen cooperation in a host of areas including security and law enforcement to further cement bilateral relations.

The two countries made the pledges in a joint declaration issued during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Italy.

The two nations stand ready to boost cooperation in such areas as justice, law enforcement, security, rule of law and the fight against transnational crimes and terrorism on the basis of respect for the differences in their social and legal systems, says the declaration.

The document says that the two countries have also agreed to deepen cooperation on science and technology innovation in a bid to realize mutual benefits and win-win results.

China and Italy have reached consensus on strengthening cooperation in five prioritized areas, ranging from energy conservation and environmental protection, to food security and aviation and space, says the document.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, and their relations have reached a key stage that links the past and the future.

The two countries, as heirs to Occidental and Oriental great civilizations respectively, have also vowed to strengthen their cultural cooperation.

"We will further promote the teaching of Chinese language in Italy and the Italian language in China, and increase the number of students studying in each other's countries on the basis of reciprocity and mutual respect for the laws and regulations," reads the declaration.

The sides also announced simplified visa procedures and decided to cooperate on the Milan World Expo in 2015.

Italy is the last leg of Li's ongoing three-nation Europe tour, which has also taken him to Germany and Russia.