Xue Jinwen (left), secretary of the party committee of Nankai University issues a certificate of appointment to Alberto Bradanini (right), the Ambassador of Italy to People's Republic of China at Nankai University's Zhou Enlai Forum on April 9. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Alberto Bradanini, Italy's ambassador to China participated in Nankai University's Zhou Enlai Forum and was invited to become guest professor at the Zhou Enlai Management College of the Nankai University on April 9.

During the forum, Bradanini gave a speech on the relationship between Italy and China. Xue Jinwen, secretary of the party committee of Nankai University issued a certificate of appointment to Bradanini.

Being a guest professor at Nankai University is important to Bradanini. He said that China is a very significant partner to Europe and Italy. As countries of great culture, China and Italy should further promote communication between teachers and students in order to better understand each other.

Alberto Bradanini, the Ambassador of Italy to People's Republic of China gives a speech at Nankai University's Zhou Enlai Forum on April 9. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Bradanini's speech on the relationship between Italy and China discussed aspects of politics, economics, and culture.

In the past decade, communication between Italy and China has been further improved. The relationship between the two countries has been closer and friendlier, Bradanini said.

From the political aspect, the European Union (EU) and Italy must have a constructive and positive relationship with China as the country plays a more important role on the global stage.

Bradanini said that trade between the two countries has experienced huge development. Italian companies have contributed to the capital transfer and professional technology of Chinese enterprises.

But, at the same time, Italy is suffering with a trade deficit with China. For him, the major mission of the two countries in the future should be eliminating the imbalance in economic and trade cooperation.

Bradanini stated that Italy has issued 400,000 visas to Chinese residents last year. Italy has a unique emotion toward China, which means both countries are able to seek more trade cooperation in economic and financial industries.

Bradanini added that China is the home of Confucius while Italy is the origin of western culture. He hopes that both sides will actively develop Confucius and Dante Institutions based on the principal of mutual benefits and spread their languages and culture.

Bradanini said, "More communication is greatly needed. Talent exchange between our countries will help to broadcast the language and culture of the both sides."

Faculty and students listen to Alberto Bradanini, Italy's Ambassador to China, at Nankai University's Zhou Enlai Forum on April 9. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Bradanini remarked that China and Italy built a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004. The past decade has witnessed close communication and cooperation between the two countries in many industries.

In order to push forward their relationship, a series of new measures have been launched, including business and culture forums and cooperation in agriculture, medication, urbanization, foods, and aerospace and aviation.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moreover, China has actively participated in the Expo Milano 2015 which is going to be held later this year. China has done a great job of sharing experience from the Expo Shanghai in 2010, according to Bradanini.

At the end of his speech, Bradanini took photos with the Italian students at Nankai University and encouraged them to work hard to learn Chinese and promote culture exchange between the two countries.

Bradanini graduated from the University of Rome in Political Science in 1974. Starting his diplomatic career in 1975, Bradanini has been the Ambassador of Italy to China since Jan 5 2013.