BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang congratulated Giuseppe Conte on assuming office as Italian prime minister on June 7.

In his congratulatory message to Conte, Premier Li said that China and Italy have maintained a good momentum of bilateral ties in recent years, with their political mutual trust constantly increasing.

The two sides have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, science and technical innovation, as well as culture and education, benefiting the peoples of both countries.

Premier Li said China pays great attention to its relations with Italy and is willing to work with the new Italian government to further cement the traditional friendship between the two countries, align the Belt and Road Initiative with Italy’s development strategy, enhance policy coordination, strengthen practical cooperation and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between them.