Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s six-day state visit to the Chinese mainland aims to provide new and definitive continuity to the relations between Italy and China. Coming after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit four months ago, it further emphasizes the importance of both nations’ pragmatic cooperation in an international environment shaken by tensions of all kinds. Italy and the European Union need China and vice versa; this visit is a symptom of this necessity, in spite of the U.S. and its allies’ Cold War mentality. Observers and businesspeople believe that these visits will lead to enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Italy’s shift towards stronger ties with China coincides with the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, the famous Italian explorer who traveled to China along the ancient Silk Road. This deepening relationship comes at a time when the United States has been urging its allies to distance themselves from China.
In concrete terms, President Mattarella’s visit will promote pragmatic cooperation between Italy and China in various fields, from culture to the economy, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges. The friendship between China and Italy is characterized by a long history of cultural exchanges, which have facilitated mutual understanding and practical cooperation in many other fields.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
