On the afternoon of September 9, 2023 local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with Italian President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Li Qiang said that a sound and stable China-Italy relationship is in line with the common interests and the need for better development of both countries. Last November, President Xi Jinping met with President of the Council of Ministers Ms. Meloni in Bali, Indonesia, and reached important common understandings on enhancing solidarity and cooperation between China and Italy, and jointly tackling challenges. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. China stands ready to take this opportunity with Italy to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and jointly promote development and prosperity.

Li Qiang noted that China is willing to work with Italy to deepen institutional cooperation, make full use of the Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee and other cooperation mechanisms and bring bilateral cooperation to a new level. The two sides should continue to expand bilateral trade, and China will continue to expand market access to create more opportunities for Italian quality products to enter the Chinese market. China hopes Italy will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Italy. China is ready to work with Italy to strengthen communication and coordination within the framework of the G20 and jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains secure and stable.

Giorgia Meloni said that both Italy and China are ancient civilizations, and the two countries enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. Italy welcomes the successful convening of the Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee and stands ready to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with China within the bilateral framework to further deepen bilateral cooperation.