Italy invited to join China as model of cooperation

President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for joint efforts by China and Italy to expand trade and two-way investment and develop bilateral friendship and cooperation. Together, they could be a model for China-European Union cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi's remarks followed his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who was in China to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Recalling his successful state visit to Italy last month, Xi said he was deeply impressed in Italy by the strong expectations from all walks of life to boost cooperation with China, as well as by Italians' sincere friendship toward the Chinese people.