Beijing (TDI): Italian President Sergio Mattarella arrived in Beijing on Thursday to commence a state visit to China from November 7 to 12, with the historic Summer Palace marking his first stop, Chinese state media reported.
The visit aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries across various fields, including cultural and technological collaboration and people-to-people exchanges, according to experts.
This year holds significance as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy and the 700th anniversary of the death of Italian explorer Marco Polo.
During a routine press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed China’s readiness to work with Italy to strengthen political trust, expand practical and cultural cooperation, and foster mutual understanding.
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Italian media reported that Mattarella’s schedule includes visits to the China Millennium Monument and the World Art Museum on Friday, along with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes and a meeting with the Italian community in Beijing.
His itinerary will also take him to Hangzhou, where he will attend a performance of “Marco Polo” by Venice’s Benedetto Marcello Conservatory, and to Guangzhou, his final destination.
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In July, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also visited China, during which both sides announced a 2024-2027 action plan to reinforce their partnership.
