China, Italy to push for greater development of bilateral ties

The leaders of China and Italy are calling for the increasing of ties between the two countries.

The increasing of ties follows talks between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Xi Jinping says more bilateral cooperation can be created through the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We are willing to work together with friendly Italian people to promote mutual learning between different civilizations while adhering to win-win cooperation, so that the ancient Silk Road can be more vibrant, and the people along the Silk Road can better share the fruit of common development," says Xi.

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome on March 22, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Ju Peng]

The Chinese president is suggesting the two sides can increase cooperation in infrastructure construction, seaports, logistics and maritime transportation, while also launching more projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

He says the Chinese side is willing to expand trade and investment, as well as increase people-to-people exchanges with the Italian side.

"We welcome Italy to attend the second China International Import Expo as a country of honor. We are willing to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges with Italy, and boost cooperation in sectors such as education, media, tourism and sports, in a bid to promote amity between the two peoples," says Xi.

Xi Jinping says China also wants to work with the Italian side on issues including global governance, climate change and sustainable development.

For his part, Italian President Sergio Mattarella says his country supports the Belt and Road Initiative, which he says can help promote the interconnectivity between Italy and China.

"The ancient Silk Road is an important channel for both Chinese and Italy people to mutually understand, communicate and learn from each other. The Belt and Road Initiative is a road of bilateral exchanges, which boosts interconnectivity not only in terms of commodities, but also thoughts, talents and knowledge. The Belt and Road is a future-oriented initiative," says Mattarella.

Mattarella says Italy wants to expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology.

He says Italy also supports China's position on safeguarding multilateralism and trade liberalization.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the signing of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Xi Jinping's time in Italy is the first leg of a three-nation trip to Europe, which also includes stops in Monaco and France.