On June 21, 2012, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao held consultations between the Foreign Ministries of China and Italy with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Stefan de Mistura in Rome. Song also met with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata.

Song made positive comments on Sino-Italian relations, saying China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Italy, give full play to the role of China-Italy Governmental Committee, work out blueprints for the development of bilateral relations, promote pragmatic cooperation on economy, trade, investment, science and technology, environmental protection, tourism and other areas and expand humanities exchanges. Both sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and jointly promote world peace, stability and development.

The Italian side noted the Italian government attaches great importance to relations with China and hopes to further strengthen the bilateral political dialogue and consultation, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and push the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. Italy appreciates the important role played by China in international and regional affairs, and is willing to further strengthen communication and coordination on global governance, financial system reform and other issues with China.

Song said China supports the EU's efforts to deal with the debt problems, backs the European integration, and believes that the EU has the ability and wisdom to solve the current crisis. The Chinese side is willing to get more involved in addressing the debt problems in Europe through multiple channels. Song appreciated the Italian government's positive attitude towards promoting China-EU relations, expressing hope that Italy will continue to play its role in and make new contributions to promoting the development of China-EU relations.

The Italian side noted that the EU's measures to cope with the debt crisis have achieved certain results, and Italy will continue to support and push for the process of European integration. China's participate in solving the debt crisis is of great significance. Italy is willing to serve as a bridge and strive to promote the further development of EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides also exchanged views on Syria, the Iranian nuclear and other international issues.

Chinese Ambassador to Italy Ding Wei attended the above activities.