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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
ROME, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the 12th joint meeting of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission here on Wednesday, calling for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
He noted that since last year, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni have visited China, and the two sides have announced an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang Yi acknowledged the important role of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission—the first intergovernmental cooperation mechanism between China and a European country—in developing bilateral relations. This mechanism, now in its 21st year of operation, has earned widespread trust and support from various sectors in both countries, the minister added.
Against the backdrop of rapid and profound changes in the international situation, China-Italy cooperation is facing new situations, opportunities, and challenges, the Foreign Minister stated. He added that China stands ready to work with Italy to uphold the original intentions of the establishment of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission, adhere to principles while pursuing innovation, and promote the modernization of the cooperation mechanism to a more systematic, targeted, and effective Version 2.0, to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations.
Wang Yi proposed strengthening the mechanism's strategic dimension and making it more dynamic. These efforts must be in line with the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the strategic guidance, incorporating innovative approaches to work, and accelerating the implementation of the published three-year action plan, the minister emphasized.
Wang Yi also called for promoting cooperation at the subnational level to make the mechanism more practical. Local governments should continue to play a key role in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and further strengthen local business participation and people-to-people exchanges, he stated.
According to Wang Yi, China and Italy are two major economies that embrace free trade, two powerful forces that champion multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that champion exchanges and mutual learning. Amid the complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy must demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trends of the times, maintain mutual trust, and achieve common goals, the Foreign Minister said.
Guided by the spirit of openness, the two sides should expand and strengthen pragmatic cooperation and make greater contributions to the economic development and well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation, he added.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, who also participated in the meeting, praised the healthy development of relations with China and the rich results achieved, noting that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots.
Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, noted A. Tajani. The Italian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission plays a vital role in this process, he said, adding that the meeting's results reflect the positive intentions of both sides.
A. Tajani also stated that China is one of Italy's priority partners, and Rome attaches great importance to the enormous potential of the Chinese market.
According to him, Italy hopes to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in the areas of economics and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, as well as to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Italy is ready to join forces with China to protect free trade, maintain the continuity of global supply chains, and work together to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue, A. Tajani emphasized.
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