Chinese, Italian presidents agree to promote comprehensive strategic partnership
Updated 13:07, 23-Mar-2019
CGTN
["europe"]
01:39
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella held talks in Rome on Friday, agreeing to level up China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, Xi said.
China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Italy, consolidate political mutual trust and extend mutual understanding, Xi said.
He encouraged the two sides to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and enhance bilateral trade and investment, and urged both sides to boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the Italian side on major issues such as the United Nations affairs, global governance, climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said.
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On China-Europe relations, Xi said China has always supported the European integration and respected the European Union's efforts in solving its problems.
Xi said he hopes that Italy will continue playing a positive role in promoting EU-China partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

On his part, Mattarella said the frequent high-level exchanges between Italy and China, especially President Xi's visit this time, demonstrate the high level of bilateral relations, calling China a close and important partner of Italy.
Italy is willing to take the opportunities of the 15th anniversary of the Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of Italy-China diplomatic relations next year to expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, science and technology, and innovation between the two countries, said Mattarella.
Italy and China were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road which had been a bond closely linking the two countries, he said.
Italy supports Xi's initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times, Mattarella said.
Calling the Belt and Road a cultural exchange road, the Italian president said his country is willing to boost communication and cooperation with China in culture and tourism.
Italy is willing to work with China in multilateral institutions, jointly safeguarding multilateralism and free trade and tackling climate change and international security, Mattarella said.
(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella hold talks in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency