Italy is a trustworthy friend and important partner for China in the EU, Chinese president Xi Jinping said as he met Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Wednesday.

The pair met on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where Xi’s plane stayed overnight on his way to meetings in Latin America.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Sardinia Island on November 16, 2016. (XINHUA/LAN HONGGUANG)

Xi told Renzi that China supports the prosperity and stability of Europe.

With the EU rocked by Brexit, an Italian referendum on constitutional reform next month will also give a big indication of how the cash-strapped country views the EU as it awaits a bailout from the International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank.

China would like to work together more closely with Italy, benefiting people in both countries, Xi said. He suggested integrating China's Belt and Road initiative with Italy’s development strategies.

Renzi agreed with this proposal, saying Italy would like to cooperate more with China in areas including trade, energy, and tourism.

(Based on an original story from China Daily)