| Xi said he hopes that the Italian side would continue to play an active role in deepening China-EU dialogue and cooperation in all fields and promote independent and stable development of China-EU ties. For his part, Conte said Xi's visit to Italy bears historic significance and will lead the Italy-China relations to a higher level. Noting that the two countries have a thousand-year-old history of exchanges, the Italian prime minister said the two ancient civilizations have interwoven with each other, with long-standing exchanges in economy, trade and culture, which served as an important foundation for the long-term development of their friendly cooperation. Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to deepen the Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership and expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture, culture, tourism and aviation, on the occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Conte said. With a special geographical advantage in building connectivity, Italy is glad to seize the historic opportunity in joining the Belt and Road construction, Conte said, adding that he strongly believes that it will help fully explore the potential of Italy-China cooperation. The prime minister said he is looking forward to attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, adding that Italy welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy and realize mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Italy stands firm in supporting multilateralism and free trade, and ready to closely communicate and coordinate with China so as to promote healthy and stable development of EU-China ties, he said. After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, including the MoU on jointly advancing the construction of the Belt and Road, and the document on the return of Chinese relics confiscated by Italy. They also paid a visit together to see the Chinese relics. Xi arrived in Rome Thursday for a state visit to Italy, the first stop of his three-nation Europe tour, which will also take him to Monaco and France. | 
News