On September 2, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Barlesconi, who are attending the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.

Zhu expressed satisfaction with the good momentum of the development of Sino-Italian ties. He said that at present the political ties between the two countries are developing favorably, with officials of various departments contacting frequently and consultations and exchanges enhanced continuously. He said that bilateral trade saw a historical record last year, adding that Italian firms have expanded their presence in China and the cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises between the two countries has increased rapidly. He said that the two countries have in recent years enhanced exchanges in various fields including science, education and culture. They have also made concrete achievements in the cooperation of environmental protection, with the Sino-Italian environmental cooperation project, launched during the Johannesburg Earth Summit, as a specific showcase of the partnership between the two countries.

Zhu said that China attaches importance to Italy's important status and role in the European Union and the international affairs. He said that China and Italy have shared identical viewpoints and common interests on a number of international issues, adding that China is ready to continue tapping huge potentials in bilateral cooperation and raise Sino-Italian relation to a higher level.

Barlesconi agreed with Zhu's appraisal of the bilateral ties. He spoke highly of China's achievements made during the recent years in its reform and opening-up cause, saying that Italian government will continue promoting the cooperation between the two countries' companies.