MILAN, Italy - China and Italy agreed Thursday to strengthen innovation cooperation with an emphasis on science and technology.

Visiting Premier Li Keqiang and his Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi, highlighted the consensus at a conference convened under the framework of the China-Italy innovation week program.

China is willing to enhance innovation cooperation with Italy, an innovation powerhouse, in areas including science and technology, industrial design and manufacturing, Li said in his speech.

He noted that the two countries signed a series of cooperation deals during his visit, with science and technology innovation being an important part.

Through concerted efforts, innovation cooperation between China and Italy will make greater contribution to the economic and social development of the two great civilizations, Li said.

Renzi, for his part, underscored the strategic nature of Italy-China cooperation, and encouraged the youths of the two countries to strengthen exchanges and actively carry out innovation cooperation so as to build a bright future of bilateral relations.

Italy is the last stop of Li's ongoing three-nation tour, which has taken him to Germany and Russia.