The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met today at the Farnesina with Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, with particular attention to growth and the rebalancing of trade exchange, the agri-food sector, and investment issues. “I reiterated our commitment to working together to ensure a level playing field for our businesses, especially for SMEs and companies in the agri-food sector,” stated Minister Tajani. “China is an important economic partner, with which we wish to reinforce a historical relationship of friendship, also based on economic rebalancing.”
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss key current international issues, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. “We rely on China’s role and decisive influence to achieve a fair and negotiated solution in Ukraine,” asserted the Minister. Tajani emphasised that “Beijing’s influence can also be significant in dissuading North Korea from destabilising initiatives that threaten regional and global security,” including the influx of North Korean troops into Russia to support aggression against Ukraine.
This meeting is part of a renewed impetus in Italy-China relations, with the shared goal of strengthening and updating the Global Strategic Partnership, which has served as the framework for developing bilateral relations since 2004. “Following the mission to Beijing by Prime Minister Meloni, I will accompany President Mattarella during his State visit to China in the coming days, which will confirm at the highest level the new trajectory of bilateral relations,” concluded the Minister, reminding that one of the privileged channels of the Italy-China relationship is cultural exchange and collaboration.
