Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Rome on Friday.

It is the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the European nation in 10 years, which will also take him to Monaco and France. 

Xi arrived a day earlier in the southern European country, which takes great pride in its magnificent history of culture and arts. 

This is something the president has lauded in an article published by an Italian newspaper. 

He said Italy and China are major contributors to the flourishing of the cultures of the West and the East. 

The two countries have enjoyed a long period of trust and cooperation, he said, adding that he's ready to take it to a higher level.

During a recent interview, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also confirmed the two sides will sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on BRI cooperation.