Mattarella, reelected Italian president, gets Xi's greetings

President Xi Jinping has congratulated Sergio Mattarella on his reelection as Italian president, saying he stands ready to work with him to advance bilateral ties.

In a congratulatory message sent to Mattarella on Friday, Xi said China and Italy enjoy solid historical foundations in their relations with strong public support, as well as converging interests.

He said they have set an example for the international community in pursuing mutual respect, seeking consensus while putting aside differences and developing win-win cooperation.

The two countries have actively cooperated in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and supported each other in hosting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, Xi said.

The China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism and bilateral ties will provide more new development opportunities, he added.

Noting that he considers the development of relations with Italy greatly important, Xi said he is willing to work with Mattarella to intensify mutual political trust between the two countries, expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and to jointly advance the countries' ties for new progress to benefit the two nations and their people.

Mattarella was reelected on Jan 29 and sworn in for a second seven-year term as Italy's head of state on Thursday.