Beijing, November 9, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing on Friday, emphasizing joint efforts to foster a world of harmonious coexistence. The meeting comes as the two nations mark the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, reinforcing their commitment to advancing peace, cooperation, and cultural exchange.
President Xi highlighted the historical connection between China and Italy as ancient civilizations rooted in openness and inclusiveness. He encouraged both nations to promote international dialogue, support peaceful resolutions to global challenges, and uphold mutual respect and trust as core values in their bilateral relationship. Stressing the importance of strategic partnership, Xi called for leveraging mechanisms like the China-Italy Government Committee to strengthen cooperation in fields ranging from culture to technological innovation.
Underscoring the vitality of China-Italy cultural cooperation, Xi urged further collaboration on cultural and artistic exchanges, heritage site preservation, classical works translation, and education. Xi also expressed China’s willingness to import more high-quality Italian goods and expand mutual investments, while advancing partnerships in clean energy, environmental protection, science, and aerospace.
Highlighting Europe’s role in global stability, Xi emphasized China’s interest in a mature and cooperative relationship with Europe, with Italy playing a pivotal role in fostering constructive collaboration.
President Mattarella expressed admiration for China’s historic ties with Italy, symbolized by the legacy of Marco Polo, and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the one-China policy. Recognizing China as a vital partner, Mattarella underscored Italy’s enthusiasm for enhancing cooperation in trade, science, education, and cultural heritage, aiming to elevate the strategic partnership further.
Mattarella noted Italy’s alignment with China on critical international issues, particularly in opposing protectionism and advocating for open, constructive dialogue. He pledged Italy’s continued collaboration with China in multilateral initiatives to promote global peace and stability.
Following the talks, Xi and Mattarella witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation agreements, including in culture, science and technology, education, and the protection of world heritage sites, setting the stage for deepened collaboration in the years ahead.
