China, Italy to enhance cooperation between legislative branches

World
Europe

01:47

The legislative branches from both China and Italy should broaden cooperation in multiple dimensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday, adding his wish to see more successful experiences shared by the two sides.

President Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Italian Senate Speaker Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati in Rome after meeting with the European nation's head of state Sergio Mattarella.

The Chinese president arrived in Rome Thursday for a state visit to Italy, the first stop of his three-nation Europe tour.

President Xi said he hopes to see the Italian Senate continuing to play an active role in further exchanges, so as to provide better conditions for the development of bilateral ties.

China-Italy ties go back decades

The ancient Silk Road connected the two peoples long ago, creating a friendship between the two countries.

Over the last 50 years since China and Italy established diplomatic ties, the duo have become important partners that share mutual trust while maintaining cooperation, President Xi pointed out.

"My visit this time aims to deepen the long-termness, stability along with strategies of the two sides. The two sides should also leverage win-win cooperation comprehensively," President Xi said. He took the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an example, something both sides vow to work together in the future.

Italy looks to expand cooperation on all fronts

Casellati first echoed President Xi's comments on his signed article for a major Italian newspaper regarding the long-lasting ties of the two countries.

"Italy had been looking forward to President Xi's visit, and both countries will strengthen partnership via the BRI," Casellati said.

She hopes to see more communication in areas including culture, arts, languages, heritage preservation, tourism and many other areas, as well as more people-to-people exchanges, especially among young people.

More laws to ease cooperation

President Xi also met with Italian Lower House Speaker Roberto Fico on Friday, during which he called for more laws and policies to ease the practical cooperation between the duo.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Italian Lower House Speaker Roberto Fico in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Fico welcomed President Xi's visit and agreed that both sides should strengthen exchanges in all areas within the framework of the BRI.

He also hopes to advance joint efforts in dealing with major issues like climate change and dialogues for the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Italian Senate Speaker Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)