President Xi Jinping's words of wisdom over China-Italy cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged personages of business and cultural circles in both China and Italy to contribute more wisdom and strength to the cooperation between the two countries.

President Xi made the remarks when speaking to representatives attending the meetings of the China-Italy Entrepreneur Committee, China-Italy Third Party Market Cooperation Forum and China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism, which are held in parallel in Rome.

The following are some highlights from Xi's speech.

China-Italy relations

President Xi praised China-Italy relations as being strategic partners featuring mutual respect and trust, cooperative partners featuring mutual benefit and win-win results, and cultural exchange partners featuring mutual learning.

"China and Italy enjoy a solid political foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as the two sides can accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns," he said.

Italy is the first stop of Xi's three-nation Europe tour, followed by Monaco and France. /VCG Photo

"I am full of confidence in the prospect of the development of China-Italy relations," the Chinese president said.

"China stands ready to work with all walks of life in Italy to push for a steady and long-term development of the bilateral relations on the path of mutual benefit and win-win result, and to make new contributions to boost the China-Europe connectivity and global development and prosperity at large."

Bilateral trade

"The two-way trade has developed steadily and the bilateral investment has grown rapidly, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples."

"The two sides should work together to elevate their economic and trade cooperation to a new level, in a bid to bring greater benefits to the two peoples, jointly respond to the challenges facing the world today, and lift the bilateral ties to a new height."

Cultural exchanges

Italy is China's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union, and China is Italy's largest trading partner in Asia. /VCG Photo

"The two countries have witnessed splendid exchanges, taking the lead in cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the West."

"As next year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties, the two sides will hold year of culture and tourism in each other's country, and we will embrace new opportunities in cooperation in various areas."

(CGTN)