On March 22, 2019 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico of Italy in Rome.

Xi Jinping pointed out that with concerted efforts of the two sides, China-Italy relations have always taken the lead in the relations between China and the European Union (EU) countries. China and Italy can achieve a long-term development of friendly relations mainly because we share similarities in history, reality and future. Looking back into the past, China and Italy had no problems left over by history or conflicts concerning fundamental interests. The ancient Silk Road has linked the two countries together since long ago. Looking at today, with the world undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, both China and Italy are staunchly safeguarding the existing international rules and actively pushing for the building and reform of the international system. The two sides are carrying out mutually beneficial economic cooperation and enjoy a broad prospect for jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. Looking to the future, both countries are committed to achieving respective dreams of great national rejuvenation, safeguarding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Italian side to constantly deepen strategic consensus, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and elevate bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height.

Xi Jinping stressed that exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are an important channel for enhancing mutual understanding and deepening friendship between the two peoples. The Chinese side supports the legislatures of the two countries in deepening experience sharing on lawmaking and governance, especially in doing more work for the economic and financial cooperation as well as the people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. It is hoped that the Italian Chamber of Deputies will create sound legal and policy conditions to facilitate bilateral practical cooperation and personnel exchanges. The two sides should also enhance communication and coordination in multilateral parliamentary organizations to make positive contributions to safeguarding world peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi Jinping stressed that China supports the European integration and is willing to work with EU countries, including Italy, to deepen China-EU cooperation.

Roberto Fico warmly welcomed President Xi Jinping for his visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, and expressed that in the era of globalization, all countries are dependent on each other, and therefore they should join hands to address global issues. China is an important cooperation partner of Italy, and it is believed that President Xi Jinping's visit will elevate the bilateral relations to a higher level. The Italian Chamber of Deputies is committed to promoting economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation between Italy and China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening communication and coordination on global affairs including tackling climate change and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and helping the EU deepen its cooperation with China.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others attended the meeting.