Beijing (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday in Beijing, calling for collective efforts to foster a world of harmonious coexistence.
The meeting, held during Mattarella’s state visit at Xi’s invitation, underscored a shared commitment to deepening China-Italy relations and addressing global challenges through cooperation.
Marking the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, President Xi highlighted the enduring bond between the two ancient civilizations, known for their traditions of openness and inclusiveness.
He urged both countries to encourage the international community to approach differences through dialogue and seek to overcome conflicts by promoting collaborative solutions, according to Chinese media.
Chinese experts see the high-level interactions between China and Italy as pivotal in fortifying their bilateral ties, strengthened by shared cultural connections and longstanding diplomatic exchanges.
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President Xi also underscored Europe’s significance as a strategic partner in China’s vision for modernization, calling for strengthened Sino-European cooperation to navigate global challenges.
He expressed hope that Italy would continue to play a constructive role in fostering stable and mature China-Europe relations.
China-Italy Relations
The foundation of China-Italy relations, strengthened through centuries-old ties, holds promising potential in areas of economic and cultural cooperation, said Cui.
Italy’s longstanding support for its relationship with China was reiterated in July when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Beijing, leading to the announcement of a 2024-2027 action plan to enhance the partnership.
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Following the meeting, Xi and Mattarella jointly addressed representatives attending the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Conference and the Dialogue between Chinese and Italian University Presidents, further emphasizing the robust cultural ties between the two countries.
As part of his visit, President Mattarella toured the “Journey of Knowledge: The Travels of Marco Polo and Its Legacy between East and West” exhibition at the China World Art Museum in Beijing. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, the exhibit showcases 135 artifacts highlighting the historical exchanges between China and Italy.
