Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Italy and China shared the key value of openness, noting their common historical and developmental achievements.
In an exclusive interview with the China Media Group, Mattarella said that both nations are rooted in ancient civilizations and have made remarkable strides in many fields in the past few decades.
"This is precious. China and Italy have many things in common. Being countries with thousands of years of civilizations behind them, being countries that cultivate cultural exchange, and being countries that have made extraordinary progress in these 70-75 years in terms of well-being, scientific, technological, social advancement," he said in the interview during his state visit to China in early November.
Mattarella said the shared value of openness in the political, economic, and cultural spheres was of great significance in fostering Italy-China ties and strengthening global stability.
"Because they have operated counting on the opening of markets, on the opening of international relations, not on protectionism, on closure, or on opposition. For this reason, every message that leads to political collaboration naturally, particularly in this economic and commercial perspective, is a way of strengthening peace. Because open markets, commercial collaboration mean common interests that are cultivated. And this is the antidote to opposition and war. And it is a tool that allows for social growth as a well-being of the populations and allows for an alternative path to opposition. For this reason, all initiatives that require collaboration, economic and commercial exchanges as well as cultural exchanges, are precious in the international community," said the president.
Italian president says openness key value shared by Italy, China
