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Wang Yi vows to enhance healthy China-EU ties during talks with Italy, Dutch PM
Updated 16:53, 01-Nov-2021
CGTN

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who participated in the Group of 20 (G20) meetings as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative, met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome.

Wang told the Italian prime minister that China and Italy should be open, respect and support each other.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) talks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) talks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Noting China-Italy relations have maintained a good momentum of development, Wang said both countries are ancient civilizations, and they can look at each other's development with an inclusive attitude and accept each other's differences peacefully.

He added China stands ready to import more high-quality products from Italy and hopes Italy will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

Italy's advanced technology, combined with China's mega-sized market, will provide a lasting impetus for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, said Wang.

The Chinese minister said the two sides should support each other in their respective hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Milan Winter Olympics and take care of each other's core interests, expressing hope that Italy will continue to adhere to the one-China principle.

Wang Yi (3rd L) talks with Mario Draghi in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi (3rd L) talks with Mario Draghi in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Draghi agreed that Italy and China should be open, respect and support each other, saying that Italy adheres to the one-China principle and supports the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Noting that Italy will not adopt discriminatory policies against Chinese enterprises, Draghi said his country is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on tackling climate change and other issues.

The two sides also exchanged views on relations between China and the European Union (EU).

Stressing that China and the EU are partners and collaborators rather than rivals and competitors, Wang expressed hope that the European side will uphold strategic autonomy, exclude interference from all sides, and build consensus on dialogue and cooperation. Wang added that he believes Italy will play a positive role in the sound development of China-EU ties.

Draghi said Italy supports strengthening the EU-China strategic partnership and is ready to work with China to plan and prepare for the next stage of important agendas between the two sides.

Wang Yi meets with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi meets with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang also met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Sunday, and both sides agreed to jointly push for the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations.

Wang said China attaches great importance to its relations with the Netherlands, and regards the Netherlands as the gateway for China-EU cooperation. 

He urged the two sides to adhere to mutual respect and mutual benefit, promote high-level opening-up, deepen cooperation on connectivity, digital economy and green development, and jointly promote economic recovery of the two countries and the world at large.

Rutte said the Dutch side is willing to strengthen bilateral exchanges at all levels and welcomes Chinese investment in the Netherlands. 

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and China and the Netherlands values the opportunity and is ready to celebrate with China this year of great significance, he said.

Wang Yi (R) meets with Mark Rutte in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi (R) meets with Mark Rutte in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi also briefed the Prime Minister on preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. He stressed that China is confident to deliver a "simple, safe and wonderful" Olympic Games to the world.

Rutte said the Netherlands is full of expectations for the Beijing Winter Olympics and hopes to learn about the preparations and take an active part in them.

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