China’s top legislator Zhao Leji met with Italy’s Senate President Ignazio La Russa in Beijing on Monday to strengthen ties between the two nations. Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and pursuing win-win cooperation for the healthy and steady development of China-Italy relations.
Zhao appreciated Italy’s adherence to the one-China principle and expressed China’s willingness to explore cooperation potential in shipbuilding, aerospace, and new energy. He highlighted the need to enhance collaboration in culture, art, tourism, and education, suggesting that these areas could foster deeper understanding between the peoples of both countries.
The two leaders discussed increasing exchanges between the NPC and Italy’s parliament within bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Zhao noted that China is ready to work with the European Union to promote sustained, steady, and sound development of China-EU relations, expressing hope that Italy will continue to play a positive role in this regard.
Ignazio La Russa echoed Zhao’s sentiments, stating that Italy and China can work together to contribute to world peace and stability. He expressed Italy’s desire to expand cooperation in the economy, trade, science, technology, and culture, aiming to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations and the sound, steady progress of EU-China relations. La Russa added that Italy’s Senate is eager to engage in closer exchanges with China’s NPC.
