Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges among different civilizations as a means to promote mutual understanding between countries, speaking at an event at the prestigious Peking University in Beijing.
Mattarella is currently paying a state visit to China from November 7 to 12 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On Saturday evening, the Italian president attended an event at Peking University, where he delivered a speech and engaged in a dialogue with faculty and students from both China and Italy.
In his speech, Mattarella reflected on the long history of China-Italy relations. He said Chinese civilization and Italian civilization have been closely interconnected through cultural exchanges since ancient times, making significant contributions to the development of human civilization.
"The ancient Silk Road is one of the earliest practices of globalization. Along this groundbreaking route, intrepid merchants crossed continents to exchange goods, ideas and knowledge. It is also a reminder that mutual respect and open dialogue are fundamental elements for countries to achieve peace and prosperity," said the Italian president.
The event attracted many Italian students studying in China, who shared how their experience have deepened their understanding of Chinese society.
"I am loving it. I think it's a very beautiful country. People are very, very kind, also towards foreigners. I think the education here is at a very high level," said Azzurra Pisciotti, an international student at Renmin University of China.
"I think in a way we are very similar, Italy and China. There is a brotherhood between us in a way that both our cultures are structured in (similar) ways and (share) a long history, a long appreciation of values like family, culture, friendship and loyalty," said Alessandro Cutolo, an international student studying at Peking University.
Promoting cultural exchanges is one of the top agendas of Mattarella's current state visit to China. The two sides have signed multiple bilateral cooperation agreements in areas including culture, science and technology, education, and world heritage site partnerships.
Italian president highlights exchanges among civilizations
Italian president highlights exchanges among civilizations
Italian president highlights exchanges among civilizations
