Turning on the "switch" to restart bilateral cooperation, Beijing wants Rome to "build a bridge" with the EU

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is visiting China from July 27-31, with the aim of promoting cooperation with the world's second largest economy as well as balancing trade relations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (second from right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing, July 29. (Source: EPA)

The above goal was announced by Ms. Meloni herself when answering the press in Beijing on July 30, after meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang of the host country China.

Previously, on July 29, Reuters news agency quoted an announcement from the Italian Prime Minister's Office saying that at the meeting with Mr. Xi Jinping, the two sides mentioned "priority issues on the international agenda from the war in Ukraine to the risks of further escalation in the Middle East".

The two leaders also discussed "rising tensions" in the Indo-Pacific region and some of the most important global governance issues of common interest, from artificial intelligence to the fight against climate change and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Meloni appreciated China's role in resolving global instability, saying that the two countries must work together to think of ways to maintain stability and ensure peace.

In addition, according to her, Italy, the third largest economy in the Eurozone, plays an important role in Beijing's relationship with the European Union (EU); expressing expectations that the two sides will build the most balanced trade relations possible.

For his part, hoping that Italy will play a constructive role in promoting China-EU dialogue and cooperation, President Xi Jinping stressed: "We hope Rome will understand and support Beijing's development concept... to facilitate the positive and sustainable development of China-EU relations."

He mentioned the long-standing friendship between the two countries, affirming that the trust and respect between the two sides have contributed significantly to the overall exchange and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations, and contributed to the progress of mankind.

According to the Chinese head of state, in the context of accelerating global changes, the two countries will make progress together through communication and consensus. The two sides should view and develop bilateral relations from a historical perspective, strategic height and long-term vision, and promote stable and far-reaching cooperation.

The Chinese president also said that in the era of economic globalization, mutually beneficial development can only be achieved by adhering to open cooperation on global production and supply chains.

Earlier, Prime Minister Meloni met with her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. Speaking after the meeting, the Italian leader said her five-day visit "shows the will to start a new phase, to restart bilateral cooperation," the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The action plan will aim to experiment with new forms of cooperation, she added.

Chinese state media said Prime Minister Meloni's visit was aimed at "clarifying some misunderstandings" about Italy's withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative and stressing the importance of economic ties.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/italian-prime-minister-of-italia-tham-trung-quoc-bat-cong-tac-khoi-dong-lai-hop-tac-song-phuong-northern-kinh-muon-rome-bac-cau-voi-eu-280686.html