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BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has congratulated Paolo Gentiloni on his new role as Italian prime minister.

China and Italy enjoy traditional friendship and the two countries have built strong political mutual trust, Li said in a message dated Thursday.

Pragmatic cooperation in various fields have seen rapid development, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, said Li.

He said that Italy is an important member of the European Union and that China has consistently backed European integration and hoped for a stable and prosperous Europe.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with Italy and is willing to work with the Italian side toward even more fruits from the China-Italy and China-EU comprehensive strategic partnerships, said Li.