Li Keqiang Speaks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on the Phone
2021/05/17
 

On the afternoon of May 17, 2021, Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at Ziguang Pavilion of Zhongnanhai leadership compound at the latter's request.

Li Keqiang said, China and Italy are comprehensive strategic partners and the bilateral relations are rooted in a long history of exchanges and enjoy solid bond of interests. Since last year, the two sides have joined hands to carry out international cooperation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and have achieved positive progress in key cooperation projects. China is willing to work with Italy to promote cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, energy and climate change, ensure the success of the China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism to be held next year, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and enhance cooperation in the framework of the Group of 20 (G20). He believes that the deepening of China-Italy relations and cooperation will help improve the well-being of the two peoples.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China highly values its relations with the European Union (EU). A united and prosperous EU is an important force in preserving world peace, supporting multilateralism and promoting free trade. China hopes that both sides will keep to the general direction, stick to an open mindset to advance pragmatic cooperation and settle differences through dialogue and coordination based on mutual respect. China-EU cooperation will contribute to world economic recovery, and both sides should work jointly to ensure that the China-EU agreement on investment will be signed and put into effect at an early date. He expects Italy, an important member of the EU, to continue playing a positive role in promoting healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

Draghi said, Italy attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is ready to work with China to push forward important cooperation projects, deepen bilateral cooperation in energy, aviation, economy and trade, and investment. Italy is willing to take the opportunity of the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The Italian side appreciates China's support for Italy's work in its presidency of the G20, and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral affairs, promote international cooperation on fighting COVID-19, boost global economic recovery and jointly address climate change and other challenges. The EU-China agreement on investment is an important consensus between the two sides. Italy supports to advance the follow-up process through dialogue at an early date.

He Lifeng and others attended the above event.