Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang meets with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini in Beijing, July 19, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday China is ready to further enhance economic cooperation with Italy and other European countries while meeting with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini.

"China and Europe are important trading partners, and we hope and believe that the European Union will achieve steady economic growth," Li said, adding that China's 12th Five-year Plan for national development will provide new opportunities for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and China will endeavor in this regard.

Frattini said Italy holds an open attitude toward high-tech cooperation with China.

Li also spoke highly of the current development of China-Italy relations, saying China is willing to strengthen political dialogue and coordination on international affairs with Italy and promote world peace and development.

Frattini said Italy attaches high importance to its relationship with China and is ready to strengthen bilateral political dialogue and substantial cooperation. Italy will also help promote further development of EU-China relations.

Frattini was invited by his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. Yang and Frattini held talks on Tuesday afternoon.

After his stay in Beijing, the Italian foreign minister will travel to Shanghai and Guangzhou, two important economic engines of China.