Italian Premier seeks to improve relations with China during visit to Beijing

(MENAFN) On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged to "relaunch" cooperation with China as she signed a three-year action plan during her inaugural official visit to Beijing since taking office. This visit marks a significant effort by Rome to enhance trade relations with Beijing following Italy's withdrawal from President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative last year.

Meloni’s meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang underscored her commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation. She described her five-day visit as evidence of Italy’s intent to embark on a new phase in its relationship with China, aiming to explore innovative forms of collaboration. In a video clip broadcast on Italian state television, Meloni outlined that the action plan is designed to experiment with new cooperative approaches between the two nations.

The industrial cooperation memorandum signed during the visit highlights strategic sectors such as electric mobility and renewable energy. This agreement reflects Italy’s strategic interests and the potential for deepened industrial collaboration with China. Later, Meloni is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and top Chinese legislator Zhao Leji, further emphasizing the high-level engagement of her visit.

Additionally, Meloni participated in the Italy-China Business Forum, which included prominent Italian companies like Pirelli, Eni, and Leonardo. She remarked that the forum represents a mutual interest in achieving greater balance between the interests and trade exchanges of both countries. This visit and the associated agreements signify a renewed effort by Italy to strengthen its economic and industrial ties with China, marking a notable shift in Italy's approach to international cooperation. 

MENAFN29072024000045015682ID1108492839