Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio (R) via video link, December 30, 2020. (Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry)

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Italy in various fields, especially the digital economy, which could be set as the new growth area in bilateral cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks in his virtual meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. He expressed hope that Italy could create a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Wang said the bilateral ties have overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained healthy and stable development.

China will continue to advance reform and opening-up and bring greater opportunities to other countries, including Italy, Wang said. "The two sides should tap the potential of cooperation in various fields and further expand and deepen bilateral ties in the post-pandemic era."

During the meeting via video link, Di Maio spoke highly of the way Italy-China ties have progressed. He said the two countries should strengthen cooperation to aid global economy recovery.

The Italian side firmly supports the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership and the conclusion of EU-China comprehensive investment agreement at an early date, he added.

Wang and Di Maio also attended the closing ceremony of the 10th joint meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee.