Beijing-Sana
Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed today with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi the bilateral relations of cooperation between the two countries and ways to develop them for the common interest.
"China is ready to work with the Italian side to maintain the right direction of developing the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, safeguard friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and set an example in developing relations between countries with different systems and cultures," Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua on Monday in a telephone conversation with Draghi.
Xi added that Beijing and Rome should ensure the success of the two countries' year of culture and tourism scheduled for 2022 and seize the event as an opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation in winter sports and related industries.
Under the guidance of jointly building the Belt and Road, the two sides should promote cooperation in various fields more deeply and forcefully, Xi said, hoping the Italian side can play an active role in promoting the healthy and steady development of China-Europe relations.
Xi stressed that China will continue to support Italy in fully playing its role in this regard and to host a successful G20 summit in Rome.
For his part, Draghi expressed his country's aspiration to enhance bilateral cooperation with China in various fields and make joint efforts to ensure the success of the Italian-Chinese Year of Culture and Tourism, stressing the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Draghi thanked China for Italy's support for its G20 presidency and its efforts and positive contributions to combating global climate change, saying that Italy "highly appreciates China's important role in the Afghanistan issue and hopes to strengthen communication and cooperation with it through multilateral frameworks, including the G20."
