Ｃｈｉｎｅｓｅ Ｌｏｃａｌ Ｆｒｉｅｎｄｓｈｉｐ Ｄｅｌｅｇａｔｉｏｎ ｉｎ Ｉｔａｌｙ ａｎｄ Ｓａｎ Ｍａｒｉｎｏ

A Chinese local friendship delegation headed by Peng Xiaomin， honorary president of the Haikou Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries， paid a goodwill visit to Italy and San Marino from March 29 to April 9 at the invitation of the Italian Association for Development of Cultural Exchanges between China and Europe and San Marino-China Friendship Association (SMCFA). The delegation was organized and sent by the CPAFFC.

Head of State of San Marino Meets with the Delegation

During its visit in San Marino， the delegation was invited as distinguished guests to attend the grand inaugural ceremony of G. F. Terenzi who was elected captain regent (head of state) of San Marino for the third time.

Mr. Terenzi had been twice elected captain regent of San Marino in 1988 and 2000. He has visited China several times in his capacity as the captain regent of the republic， foreign minister and president of the SMCFA and done a great deal of fruitful work to promote the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

After the inauguration， the captain regent invited all the members of the delegation to his home and had a friendly conversation with them in a relaxed atmosphere. He happily recalled his visits to China and showed his guests his study and exhibition room. On the walls of his study were hung pictures of him with Chinese state leaders including President Li Xiannian and President Jiang Zemin， and pictures of him taking part in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CPAFFC in 2004， which were precious records of his visits to China as captain regent of San Marino and president of the SMCFA. Terenzi said， since its launching， the SMCFA， through sincere cooperation with the CPAFFC has played a major role in promoting the friendly exchanges between the people of the two countries. The leaders of San Marino and China attach great importance to the development and deepening of bilateral relations. He would as always work actively to advance the friendly exchanges between San Marino and China and their peoples whether as captain regent of San Marino or as president of the SMCFA. The government and people of San Marino are willing to further deepen the existing friendly relations with China. The delegation passed on to Terenzi a letter of congratulations from CPAFFC President Chen Haosu and thanked him for his unremitting efforts over the years to enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the two peoples.

Strengthening Sino-Italian Friendship and Cooperation

The Italy Year which is being held in China this year has received the attention and support from both the Chinese and Italian governments.

In Italy the delegation was accorded warm hospitality by the Italian Association for Development of Cultural Exchanges between China and Europe. Davide Vona， president of the Association， had a cordial meeting with the delegation. He said， it was of special significance to receive friends from China during the Italy Year held in China. He happily recalled cooperation with the CPAFFC and other friendship organizations over the years and briefed the delegation on the students delegations it organized and sent to China for exchanges with the Chinese students in recent years and the Chinese Film Week， photo exhibitions on life and customs of China and other activities it had held in Italy. He hoped to further strengthen friendly cooperation with Chinese localities and make new contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation in the social， cultural and other fields between the two peoples. Peng Xiaomin， leader of the delegation， on behalf of all the members of the delegation expressed thanks to President Vona for the warm reception and appreciation of him for his untiring efforts and contribution to Sino-Italian friendship.

Accompanied by President Vona， the delegation visited the University of Rome， one of the largest institutions of higher learning in Europe and also one of the best in the world. The delegation received warm welcome at the university. Prof. Alabiso showed the delegation round the university， including the exhibition room of sculptures， the library and the teaching research office.