国内英语新闻:Chinese vice premier expects bilateral ties with Italy to be strengthened through Milan Expo

MILAN, Italy, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang expressed his hope here on Monday that bilateral relations between China and Italy can be strengthened through the ongoing Milan Expo 2015.

Wang made the remarks when addressing a ceremony marking the National Day of the Chinese Pavilion at the Expo.

He said China and Italy enjoy traditional friendship as the Silk Road linked the two countries more than 2,000 years ago, noting this year also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Wang expected China and Italy to make use of the platform of Milan Expo to cement people-to-people friendship, deepen cooperation and advance bilateral partnership, and give vigor into the cooperation along the Silk Road.

Later on Monday, Wang visited the China Pavilion, the Italy Pavilion, the Kazakhstan Pavilion and the China Corporate United Pavilion, and attended a forum on China-Italy innovation cooperation.