On September 4, 2023, the 11th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee was held in Beijing. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Italian Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani attended the meeting together, listened to such cooperation achievements as the reports of representatives from the economic and financial, technological and green development, and cultural groups of both sides and made summary remarks.

Wang Yi said that in recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of all sectors in both countries, China-Italy relations have maintained high-level development and are at the forefront of China-Europe relations. The leaders of the two countries have maintained close exchanges, steering the development of bilateral relations and consolidating the foundation of mutual trust. The China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism has been splendid and Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

Wang Yi stressed that the positive achievements in China-Italy cooperation are fundamentally attributed to both sides' commitment to the positioning of a comprehensive strategic partnership, their shared historical responsibility as ancient civilizations, their conformity with the trend of the times featuring win-win cooperation, and the concrete actions to fulfill the good expectations of the two peoples for China-Italy relations. As representatives of ancient civilizations and important economies, China and Italy should consolidate and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, win-win results, exchanges and mutual learning, enhance the well-being of the two peoples and inject more stability into a turbulent world.

First, uphold openness and win-win results. The two sides should jointly safeguard the free and open multilateral trading system, keep the global industrial and supply chains unimpeded and stable, provide a fair, transparent, open and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises of the other side to invest and do business in the country, and share development experience and dividends.

Second, focus on pragmatic cooperation. Both sides should step up the implementation of the consensus on economy, trade, investment and e-commerce. The two sides should jointly support major joint venture and cooperation projects, convene the meeting of the Economic Cooperation Mixed Committee at an appropriate time and the third Finance Dialogue, and take the upcoming China-Italy Innovation Cooperation Week as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in smart manufacturing, clean energy, sustainable transportation, science and technology for the Olympic Winter Games, and others.

Third, promote inclusiveness and mutual learning. The two sides should carry forward the "Silk Road spirit" and continue to be a bridge for dialogue between the Eastern and Western civilizations. The two sides should promote the forging of friendship between more places of the two countries, expand the exchange of students studying in each other's country and inter-university exchanges, and provide visa and other convenience for personnel exchanges between the two sides.

Tajani said that the profound friendship between Italy and China, which has been inherited for a thousand years, is rooted in the common pursuit of a better future. The two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, continuously broadened the area and scope of bilateral cooperation, and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. Italy looks forward to working with China to continuously deepen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, climate change and environmental protection, culture and tourism and constantly elevate Italy-China relations to new heights. Italy is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in the United Nations, the G20 and other multilateral institutions.

The two sides fully recognized the important role played by the China-Italy Government Committee in promoting the development of bilateral relations, and asked the committee to implement the important common understanding reached by leaders of the two countries and push for greater development of China-Italy friendly cooperation. Wang Yi stressed that the committee should serve as a "bellwether" to translate the positive will and good vision of exchanges and cooperation into concrete actions, measures and results; serve as a "booster" to give play to the advantages of the platform and actively promote the resolution of specific problems and difficulties in cooperation; serve as a "pacesetter" and coordinate effectively with economic, financial, cultural, innovation and other cooperation mechanisms to create a "1+N" matrix and stimulate convergence effect.