Beijing, November 7, 2024 – The Europe Today: Italian President Sergio Mattarella arrived in Beijing on Thursday, marking the beginning of a six-day state visit to China aimed at deepening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Upon arrival, President Mattarella visited the historic Summer Palace, China’s largest imperial park and a renowned classical garden, symbolizing the rich cultural exchange between Italy and China. His visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as the 700th anniversary of the death of Italian explorer Marco Polo, who famously traveled to China along the ancient Silk Road.
China has expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation and fostering people-to-people exchanges with Italy. “China is ready to work with Italy to expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a recent briefing.
This marks Mattarella’s second state visit to China, following his previous visit in February 2017, underscoring the continued importance of the China-Italy partnership.
