BRUSSELS — China never deliberately pursues trade surplus in goods and hopes to work with Italy for a balanced increase of bilateral trade, to expand cooperation in energy, hi-tech manufacturing, creative design and to promote cooperation among medium- and small-sized enterprises of the two countries, Premier Li Keqiang said in Brussels on Oct 19.

Premier Li made the remarks when meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the sidelines of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Brussels.

Commending China-Italy relations after the establishment of the new Italian government, Premier Li said the two countries have established a regular meeting mechanism between two heads of government, and China stands ready to work with Italy to further deepen political mutual trust, keep the momentum of high-level exchanges, facilitate people-to-people exchanges and promote a greater development of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership in the new times.

China is ready to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Italy’s development strategy, explore the third-party market cooperation, and promote bilateral pragmatic cooperation with practical actions to achieve new progress, Premier Li said.

Conte hailed the firm and close relations and frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries, saying that Italy attaches great importance to relations with China.

He expressed Italy’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative and said his country stands ready to work with China to implement the four-year action plan between the two sides, enhance cooperation in economy and trade, investment, innovation, technology, energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, expand exports to China, strengthen the third-party market cooperation and promote a steady development of Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership.