2020年CRI Italian president: Xi's visit shows mutual respect, stable ties

 

Italy's leaders have spoken about President Xi Jinping's visit, which they say will open a new chapter in bilateral¹ relations for the two countries.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella suggested that Italy and China have seen a broad range of exchanges since ancient times, because both of them have great civilizations and cultural powers.

The two sides will see their diplomatic ties turn 50 next year.

The president said the Chinese leader's visit will shed light on the future direction of the relationship.

"I am really delighted to have this opportunity to reciprocate² President Xi's extraordinary reception that he reserved for me back in 2017. President Xi will visit Rome and Palermo, and will meet with Italy's highest-ranking officials. This shows that our relationship is stable and built on mutual³ respect."

When it comes to trade and economic cooperation, Mattarella said that Italy and the wider European community should commit to engage in a dialogue with China.

"Economic and trade relationships are the cornerstone of ties between China and Italy. The continuous growth in bilateral trade, cooperation, and investment between companies in our two countries shows our confidence in developing bilateral ties. For a long time, Italy has not only seen China as one of its most important trade partners, but also as an engine of international trade. Italy sticks to a real, open, multilateral trading system."

Official data shows bilateral trade topped a record 54 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, despite the slowing global economy.

So far, over 1,600 Italian companies have invested in China.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte suggested closer cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative is in Italy's national interest, and will create more opportunities for Italian companies.

"Italy is located at the end of the 'ancient silk road'. It would be strange if we didn't join this infrastructure⁴ program that is taking place in our neighborhood. We will boost our exports into an enormous market; our businesses will get the chance to directly participate in new and significant infrastructure investments."

The Prime Minister has confirmed his participation⁵ in the second Belt and Road Forum⁶ for International Cooperation scheduled for next month in Beijing.

Meantime, companies from his country have already booked around 7,000 square meters of exhibition space for the Second China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai in November.

1 bilateral   

adj.双方的，两边的，两侧的

参考例句：

• They have been negotiating a bilateral trade deal.他们一直在商谈一项双边贸易协定。
• There was a wide gap between the views of the two statesmen on the bilateral cooperation.对双方合作的问题，两位政治家各自所持的看法差距甚大。

2 reciprocate   

v.往复运动；互换；回报，酬答

参考例句：

• Although she did not reciprocate his feelings, she did not discourage him.尽管她没有回应他的感情，她也没有使他丧失信心。
• Some day I will reciprocate your kindness to me.总有一天我会报答你对我的恩德。

3 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

4 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

5 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

6 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。