On March 23, 2019 local time, President Xi Jinping met in Palermo with President of the Italian Region of Sicily Nello Musumeci. President of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, Governor of Sicily, Mayor of Palermo and others attended the meeting.

Xi Jinping listened to the introduction of the history, culture and economic and social development of Sicily as well as the exchanges between Sicily and China in economy, trade and people-to-people and cultural engagement. Xi Jinping pointed out that as Sicily is a place with rich and profound history and culture, as well as natural resources, it is hoped that Sicily will give full play to its own advantage in resources and expand cooperation with China. During my visit to Italy, both sides signed the agreement on selling the oranges of Sicily to China. Sicily is welcome to increase the export of its quality agricultural products to China. China is ready to strengthen cooperation in such areas as investment and tourism.

Nello Musumeci extended his warm welcome to President Xi Jinping's visit to Sicily, which enjoys a long history of exchanges with China and was once a part of the ancient Silk Road. The Sicilian people are friends of the Chinese people. As a key island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily possesses a unique development advantage, and stands ready to intensify cooperation with China in such areas as agriculture and tourism to become a crucial stop of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Peng Liyuan, Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others attended the activities.

Xi Jinping visited Palermo after wrapping up his visit to Rome. When departing from Rome, high-level officials of the Italian government saw Xi Jinping off at the airport.