2017年CRI Xi: Silk road an ancient bond for China, Italy

 

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a six-day visit, expressed Italy's interest in playing a role in the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative during the talks.

Speaking to reporters after their meeting, the Chinese president said the two countries should be working to maintain high-level exchanges at various levels, including those between the two governments, as well as through their respective legislatures and among the political parties in both China and Italy.

"The 'Belt and Road' Summit Forum¹ is set to be held this May in Beijing and will provide a platform for all countries involved in the initiative to discuss how to better cooperate. China plays an important role in promoting Asian culture, as does Italy in promoting the Western culture. The ancient Silk Road serves as the traditional link between the two countries. Italy has its advantages if it participates in the 'Belt and Road' initiative, and China looks forward to seeing more cooperation with Italy under the program," said Xi.

Xi also told his Italian counterpart that China stands ready to play a leading role in the advancement² of world peace, development and stability.

Sergio Mattarella said he believes Italy has a role to play in the "Belt and Road" initiative.

"We are very interested in the 'Belt and Road' initiative, and I believe Italy's logistics system will make sure that China's goods can be sent to Europe efficiently³. In addition, the ports system of Italy can also help link China with central Europe and Middle East," said Mattarella.

Mattarella also said that Italy is committed to maintaining a multilateral trading system and hopes to increase coordination⁴ with China in both international and regional affairs.

After the talks, a series of cooperation documents were signed covering areas including culture, education, health and trade.

Mattarella's visit to China will also take him to Shanghai, Chongqing and Xi'an, which is the terminus of the ancient Silk Road.

1 forum   

n.论坛，讨论会

参考例句：

• They're holding a forum on new ways of teaching history.他们正在举行历史教学讨论会。
• The organisation would provide a forum where problems could be discussed.这个组织将提供一个可以讨论问题的平台。

2 advancement   

n.前进，促进，提升

参考例句：

• His new contribution to the advancement of physiology was well appreciated.他对生理学发展的新贡献获得高度赞赏。
• The aim of a university should be the advancement of learning.大学的目标应是促进学术。

3 efficiently   

adv.高效率地，有能力地

参考例句：

• The worker oils the machine to operate it more efficiently.工人给机器上油以使机器运转更有效。
• Local authorities have to learn to allocate resources efficiently.地方政府必须学会有效地分配资源。

4 coordination   

n.协调，协作

参考例句：

• Gymnastics is a sport that requires a considerable level of coordination.体操是一项需要高协调性的运动。
• The perfect coordination of the dancers and singers added a rhythmic charm to the performance.舞蹈演员和歌手们配合得很好，使演出更具魅力。