Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing on Friday.
Xi highlighted the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and stressed the importance of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
He called on the two sides to deepen cultural exchanges and enhance cooperation in trade, technology and environmental fields.
Noting that this year marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Italian traveler Marco Polo, Xi stressed the need for the two sides to support language teaching and youth exchanges.
For his part, Mattarella recalled past visits, expressing Italy’s commitment to friendship with China, supporting the one-China principle and enhancing collaboration in culture and education.
Following the talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of agreements on cultural and educational cooperation and Xi hosted a banquet for Mattarella.
