This photo combo shows Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. (PHOTO/XINHUA/AP)
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and Italy should jointly ensure the China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism slated for 2022 a success, and take the event as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation in winter sports and related industries.
In a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Xi said the two sides should particularly firmly support each other in successfully hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in 2026.
Xi said China-Italy relations enjoy a deep historical foundation, adding that the two countries enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation, appreciate each other's culture and help each other in times of difficulty.
The two sides should promote cooperation in various fields to go deeper and more solid under the guidance of jointly building the Belt and Road, Xi said, voicing the hope that the Italian side can play an active role in promoting the healthy and steady development of China-Europe relations
China stands ready to work together with the Italian side to maintain the correct direction of the development of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, respect each other firmly, safeguard China-Italy friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and set an example for developing relationship between countries of different systems and cultures, Xi said.
The two sides should promote cooperation in various fields to go deeper and more solid under the guidance of jointly building the Belt and Road, Xi said, voicing the hope that the Italian side can play an active role in promoting the healthy and steady development of China-Europe relations.
Xi stressed that China appreciates Italy's efforts to promote cooperation in global public health and economy since Rome assumed the rotating presidency of the Group of 20 (G20).
At present, the world is at a critical stage in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and restoring the economy, Xi said, adding that the G20, a major international economic cooperation platform, should stick to the genuine multilateralism, carry forward the spirit of unity and cooperation, and gather more consensus on fighting COVID-19, restoring the world economy and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Xi also said that the G20 should lead global governance in the correct direction, and join forces to meet common challenges, adding that the Chinese side will continue to support Italy in fully playing its role in this regard and hosting a successful G20 summit in Rome.
President Xi Jinping (left) and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon hold talks in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, June 15, 2019. (XINHUA)
President Xi on Tuesday also held a In a telephone conversation with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, during which he said that the Chinese side is ready to work with Tajikistan to build a community of development with rich connotation and an indestructible community of security.
Xi called on the two sides to jointly safeguard the shared interests of both countries and promote regional peace and development, noting that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides.
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The Chinese president congratulated Tajikistan on its upcoming 30th anniversary of independence, noting that China-Tajikistan relations are at an all-time high.
Xi called on the two sides to jointly safeguard the shared interests of both countries and promote regional peace and development, noting that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides
The two sides have firmly supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, which demonstrates a high level of strategic mutual trust, Xi said.
Meanwhile, the two sides have carried out close cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the solidarity of friendly neighbors, Xi added, noting that the two sides are iron-clad partners who can count on each other.
China and Tajikistan, Xi stressed, should continue to focus on high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and promote cooperation in economy and trade, interconnectivity, digital economy and other areas.
The Chinese side encourages its companies to invest and develop their businesses in Tajikistan, and stands ready to expand imports of quality green agricultural products from the country, Xi said.
Both sides should give full play to the joint prevention and control mechanism at border crossings to ensure the China-Tajikistan freight transport artery stays smooth and efficient, said Xi, adding that China is ready to continue supporting the Tajik side in fighting the pandemic and to deepen medical cooperation between the two countries.
Xi noted that China speaks highly of the work done by the Tajik side since it assumed the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying that China will fully support Tajikistan in fulfilling the duties of the SCO presidency and ensuring the SCO summit marking the 20th anniversary of the organization a success.
He added that China would like to take the summit as an opportunity to enhance solidarity and mutual trust among member states, deepen their security and practical cooperation and promote greater development of the SCO from a new starting point.