BEIJING, April 28 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Tuesday in Beijing.

Li spoke highly of the development of bilateral ties since the two established diplomatic relations about 45 years ago.

Li called on both sides to enhance political dialogue, fully implement the action plan on promoting economic cooperation and deepen people-to-people exchanges to push forward bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Gentiloni said Italy is willing to enhance cooperation with China in politics, economy, culture and other areas to promote bilateral ties.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Gentiloni held talks and attended the opening of the sixth joint session of the China-Italy Governmental Committee in Beijing.