Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held significant talks in Beijing on Sunday, marking a new chapter in the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements spanning industry, education, environmental protection, geographical indications, and food safety.
This year commemorates the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Italy. Premier Li emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Italy to implement the consensus reached by both countries’ leaders. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the enduring friendship and enhancing cooperation across various sectors to benefit both peoples and contribute to global peace and development.
Li underscored the need to further strengthen political mutual trust and guide bilateral relations toward a more mature and stable trajectory. He advocated for the expansion and optimization of bilateral trade, encouraging deeper cooperation in shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, and artificial intelligence, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
In honor of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, China plans to collaborate with Italy on a series of cultural activities, deepening exchanges in art, film, television, and education. This initiative aims to celebrate the historical ties and foster cultural understanding between the two nations.
The Chinese premier also expressed support for Chinese companies investing in Italy, urging Italy to provide a fair and welcoming business environment for these enterprises and to facilitate travel for Chinese citizens. He highlighted that protectionism hinders competitiveness and stressed that openness and cooperation are essential for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Li called on the European Union to view China’s development objectively and rationally, maintain China as a partner, and commit to dialogue and cooperation for the steady development of China-EU relations, addressing global challenges together.
Prime Minister Meloni affirmed Italy’s commitment to developing long-term, stable, and positive relations with China. She expressed Italy’s readiness to deepen practical cooperation in areas including economy, trade, investment, industry, science and technology, and culture.
Meloni stated that Italy aims to build a bridge of friendship, explore new cooperation opportunities, unleash the potential for collaboration, and further advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. She also emphasized Italy’s readiness to facilitate candid dialogue between the EU and China and to foster a more stable and cooperative relationship.
