Two signed articles by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "East Meets West -- A New Chapter of Sino-Italian Friendship" and "Move Together Toward Common Development" were published respectively in leading Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera and leading French newspaper Le Figaro ahead of his state visits to the two European countries.
The following are the key points of the two signed articles:
Friendship
China-Italy
The traditional friendship between us, stronger than ever, has become a strong pillar supporting the rapid and steady growth of our bilateral ties.
China-France
I will bring with me special friendship toward the French people. Such friendship is rooted in the long-standing friendly ties between our two countries, and reinforced by the ness between our peoples with mutual respect and mutual trust.
A community with a shared future for all mankind
China-Italy
Confronted by the transformations and challenges of today's world and informed by our deep appreciation of history, China and Italy both envision a new type of international relations that are built on mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and a community with a shared future for all mankind.
China-France
We need to join hands to tackle challenges, promote global prosperity and stability and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Comprehensive strategic partnership
China-Italy
Since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004, our two countries, guided and driven by high-level exchanges, have given each other understanding and firm support on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns.
China hopes to work with Italy to strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership.
China-France
Five years ago, in a balmy spring, I paid my first state visit to France as the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It gave us an opportunity to review the past, plan for the future and open up a new era of and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
As France's comprehensive strategic partner, China will continue to forge ahead with France shoulder to shoulder.
Multi-faceted cooperation
China-Italy
As key trading and investment partners for each other, China and Italy have deeply entwined interests. Two-way trade exceeded 50 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 and investment surpassed 20 billion dollars in accumulative terms. "Made in Italy" is a guarantee of quality, Italian fashion and furniture are immensely popular with Chinese consumers, and pizza and tiramisu are the love of many young Chinese. Every now and then, we hear stories about the success of Sino-Italian cooperation in satellite R&D and manned space exploration. Initiatives such as the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week, joint police patrols and football training, to name just a few, are applauded by people in both countries.
China-France
In a short span of five years, our bilateral trade has expanded by more than 13 billion U.S. dollars, and mutual investment increased by over 20 billion dollars. French beef and other quality agricultural produce are becoming increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. The Taishan 1 nuclear reactor built under China-France collaboration has become the world's first EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) unit connected to grid. The Hinkley Point nuclear power plant, an iconic trilateral project between China, France and Britain, has got off to a good start. The China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSat) has entered into orbit. We are tapping our cooperation potential in sustainable development, finance, medicine and health, and other fields. As our cooperation in third markets grows, we are making good progress in jointly undertaking the Belt and Road Initiative.
Belt and Road cooperation
China-Italy
China hopes to work with Italy to advance Belt and Road cooperation. Our two countries may harness our historical and cultural bonds forged through the ancient Silk Road as well as our geographical locations to align connectivity cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative with Italy's plan to develop its northern ports and the InvestItalia program, and jointly build the Belt and Road of the new era on sea, on land, in the air, in space and in the cultural domain.
China-France
China hopes to work with France to deepen all-round cooperation in the traditional areas of nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace, develop new areas of cooperation such as agriculture and technological innovation, and make greater headway in our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and in third markets.
