Italian president hosts concert in support of China

ROME－Italy's head of state Sergio Mattarella hosted an extraordinary concert on Thursday to show solidarity with the Chinese people dealing with the novel coronavirus emergency.

Held at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, the event took place within the framework of the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020.Chinese-born Italian pianist Jin Ju performed before an audience of Italian and Chinese officials, cultural representatives and students.

Chinese Ambassador to Italy Li Junhua attended the performance, which was broadcast live by state-run RAI radio and TV channels.

"This concert highlights the relevance our country attaches to the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020, and it represents a sign of friendship from the Italian people to the Chinese people," Mattarella told media before the concert.

He said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Rome and Beijing, a relationship "shaped on the basis of mutual friendship and common interest."

"Italy conveys to China its faith and support in this emergency against the epidemic, and in the (Chinese) efforts to ensure health safety," said the Italian president, adding that the epidemic is a common enemy.

Ju performed seven pieces overall at the concert, including the Chinese folk music Honghu Waters, Wave Upon Wave, which comes from Central China's Hubei province－the place hit hardest by the current epidemic.

The China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism kicked off on Jan 21. A wide range of cross-cultural events are taking place in both countries.