Italy and China renewed on Monday a strategic bilateral cooperation in the scientific and technological fields by signing a new agreement for 2010-2012.
The treaty was signed by Chinese Vice Minister for Science and Technology Du Zhanyuan and the Italian undersecretary for foreign affairs
Stefania Craxi. The ceremonial event was as well attended by China's ambassador to Italy Sun Yuxi.
Both Du and Craxi praised the importance of the scientific cooperation.
"Thanks to the attention and promotion of the two governments, the Sino-Italian cooperation in science and technology has been deeply enhanced," said Du.
He pointed out that in recent years both China and Italy have made great progress in the fields of energy, environment, astronomy, health and basic research.
In the future there is still room for improvement of the bilateral cooperation, the Chinese vice minister added.
"The signature of this agreement represents an important development which strengthens our bilateral relation," said Craxi.
She explained that the treaty represents a "juridical and operational instrument aimed at financing and promoting important joint scientific
initiatives."
The undersecretary then expressed her desire that the signed agreement may boost further bilateral scientific partnerships.
"I hope that the treaty may lead to other successful collaborations not only at an institutional level but also between public and private research institutes of our countries, enabling scientific and technological progress
to better the life-quality of our people," Craxi concluded.
The first scientific and technological cooperation agreement between China and Italy was launched in 1978.
The bilateral cooperation is aimed at fostering development possibilities for both countries. Strategic projects are jointly sponsored, together with frequent researchers' exchange programs and scholarships.
Research areas are primarily energy, environment, aerospace, food safety, agriculture and medicine.