Chinese president arrives in Italy for visit, G8 outreach session

ROME, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here Sunday for a state visit, and he will attend the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit scheduled for Thursday in the central Italian city of L'aquila.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing wave upon their arrival at Rome, Italy, July 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

In a statement released upon his arrival at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Hu said he is very glad to come to this beautiful country for a state visit at the invitation of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

"I believe that under joint effort of both sides, this visit will be a total success and help advance the all-round strategic partnership between China and Italy to a new stage," Hu said in the statement.

Noting both China and Italy are countries with a long history of civilization, Hu said the two peoples enjoy a long-standing friendship.

"China places great importance on expanding relations with Italy," Hu said, adding China is ready to join effort with Italy to bring in an even brighter future of bilateral relations.