China, Italy eyeing more cooperation under BRI

China wishes to revive the ancient Silk Road and cooperation with Italy to promote mutual civilization building and to let the peoples from both countries benefit from it.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remarks while meeting the press, together with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella in Rome.

"We want to strengthen the synergies between our respective development strategies to enhance cooperation in the infrastructure, port, logistics, and maritime transport sectors and build a series of concrete projects along the Silk Road," Xi said.

Xi also noted that both countries could expand cultural exchanges through cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella meet in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

China always supports the European integration process and hopes Italy could continue to help develop China-Europe partnerships for peace, growth, reform, and progress of civilizations, the president said.

China will step up communication and coordination with Italy on major issues relating to the UN, upholding the facilitation and liberalization of trade and investment, Xi added.

On his part, Mattarella said economy and trade are the cornerstones of China-Italy relations, and both countries should deepen communication, create a fair environment for free trade and good conditions for entering each other's market.

As China and Italy celebrate the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, Xi's visit is of great importance, Mattarella noted.

Italy is the first G7 country to join the BRI and receive investment from China, and he believes Italy will facilitate China's products reaching western Europe, Mattarella said, adding that the BRI will also help cooperation in fields like space and culture.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella hold talks in Rome, Italy, March 22, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Ahead of the press conference, Xi attended a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Rome.

The Chinese president arrived a day earlier in the southern European country with the aim of mapping out the future of the bilateral relationship and moving it into a new era.

It is also the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the European nation in 10 years.