Italy-China Meeting, Tajani: “A New Season Of Strategic Partnership Is Starting”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing as part of the 11th meeting of the Italy-China Government Commission.

“Italy and China are opening a new season of strategic partnership,” Tajani explained, according to Adnkronos. “Today we are starting a new season of strategic partnership that we intend to fully renew by deepening all sectors of our bilateral relations.” The minister also announced visits by the Italian ministers of education and tourism, followed by President Sergio Mattarella, who will visit China next year to “anchor this strong friendship and cooperation on specific issues.”

Wang Yi emphasized the importance of “consolidating and deepening the global strategic partnership between the two economically developed powers, China and Italy.” Thanks to the efforts of both countries, bilateral relations gained a good momentum, consolidated the direction of relations, and strengthened mutual trust.” A difficult decision is looming for Italy regarding exiting the New Silk Road, an agreement that was signed in 2019 (with Italy being the only G7 country to join) by then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Now it intends to disassociate itself from the agreement while maintaining good relations with Beijing. “The ancient Silk Road outlined the ways for the coexistence of two great civilizations,” Wang Yi recalled. “China and Italy should inherit this spirit and continue to be a bridge between East and West, avoiding the clash of civilizations.”

The trip to Beijing will end on September 5, then Tajani will fly to Astana, where he will meet with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. “Italy is looking at Central Asia with growing interest, particularly because of the consequences of the war in Ukraine,” Tajani explained. “For us, the priority is to establish strategic partnerships with these countries and take advantage of the important opportunities that Kazakhstan offers to our companies.”