Wang Yi meets with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Di Maio

On April 16, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Di Maio in Beijing. Wang Yi stated that China and Italy are comprehensive strategic partners, with complementary advantages and broad prospects for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. In October last year, the China-Italy Joint Government Committee meeting was successfully held, comprehensively reviewing and planning cooperation in various fields between the two countries. China is willing to work with Italy to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level and all-level exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, strengthen mutual trust, promote cooperation, and maintain the healthy and stable development of China-Italy relations. Since the beginning of this year, geopolitical conflicts have continued, hot spot issues have intensified, and the international order and world security face severe challenges. China and Italy are ancient civilizations that cherish peace and important forces in upholding multilateralism. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Italy in international and multilateral affairs, demonstrating the historical value of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. Di Maio stated that the current development of China-Italy relations is good and smooth. Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to work with China to enhance communication, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the implementation of action plans to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China. The current international situation is complex and changeable, and Italy highly values China's important influence in international affairs and multilateral platforms such as the United Nations. Italy supports President Xi Jinping's proposals and initiatives to promote the resolution of international and regional hot spot issues, and is willing to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China to jointly maintain world peace, stability, and development. The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East. Wang Yi stated that China consistently advocates for the peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and opposes the use of force. The war between the United States and Israel against Iran should not happen, and the prolonged conflict has had a serious impact on international energy security and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The top priority is to promote the return of the United States and Iran to negotiations and seek a political solution. China has always adhered to an objective and impartial stance, actively working to promote peace and end conflicts, supporting Pakistan's active mediation, and willing to maintain communication with all parties and continue to play a constructive role in this regard. The two sides also exchanged views on issues such as the crisis in Ukraine.