On October 8 (Italy time), in Rome, Chinese Foreign Minister Vuong Nghi declared that China and Italy - two ancient cultures of the East and the West - can together bring "intellect and solutions" to the world in the context of the whole world facing many challenges.
Speaking after a joint press conference with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Mr. Vuong Nghi emphasized that the spirit of "mutual respect, openness, cooperation and learning together" is a sustainable foundation for bilateral relations, and at the same time a useful lesson for the international community.
He said that the 12th meeting of the China - Italy Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee was a "complete success", with many consensus on building a "more stable and effective" relationship between the two countries.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Over the past half century, the relationship between the two countries has developed on the basis of profound historical exchanges and the need for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Mr. Vuong Nghi affirmed that differences in institutions or culture "should not be a barrier to dialogue". He said it is important for countries to understand and respect each other's " core interests and legitimate concerns".
According to Minister Vuong Nghi, the successful cooperation model between China and Italy is to "open the door and both sides benefit". Both countries support free trade, open global economies and maintain bilateral trade turnover of more than 70 billion USD for many consecutive years. He also emphasized the role of small and medium-sized Italian enterprises in the chain of technology and innovation cooperation with China.
He said that China is preparing for the 15th 5-year Plan (2026 - 2030), aiming to develop smart, green and high-tech industry. This will be a new opportunity for cooperation with countries, including Italy, he said.
Regarding cultural exchange, China and Italy have established a model of cooperation between world heritages, organizing the annual "Science - Technology - Innovation Week", and in the near future, the first China - Italy University Principals' Forum. Beijing and Milan - two cities that hosted the Winter Olympics - are also expected to promote cooperation in the ice and snow industry.
The number of direct flights between the two countries is currently among the highest in Europe. Since China has granted visas to Italian citizens, the number of Italian visitors to China has doubled. "There will be more Marco Polo of the modern era visiting China," Mr. Vuong Nghi said.
He also reiterated Beijing's commitment to promoting multilateralism, supporting the United Nations and implementing the Global Governance Initiative proposed by General Secretary and President Xi Jinping.
