On May 16, 2017, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, who was in China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Xi Jinping pointed out that both China and Italy are countries with ancient civilizations, and the ancient Silk Road connects the two countries and sets up a bridge for eastern and western civilizations to communicate with and mutually learn from each other. In recent years, both countries have witnessed frequent high-level mutual visits, close people-to-people exchanges at all levels and prosperous cooperation in various fields. China is willing to, together with Italy, make efforts to promote China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership to new highs.

Xi Jinping stressed that both China and Italy are important members of the international community. The two sides should maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and intensify exchanges between governments, legislative institutes, political parties, local affairs and other areas. Both sides should well implement the China-Italy Cooperation Action Plan for 2017-2020, expand two-way investment, promote construction of industrial parks and strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, innovation and other fields. China welcomes Italy to actively participate in building the "Belt and Road" construction and support enterprises of the two countries to carry out cooperation in ports, shipbuilding and shipping. A situation of all-around, in-depth people-to-people exchange in a broader field should be opened. China is ready to maintain close communication with Italy on major international issues. It is hoped that Italy continues to play a positive role in EU, and maintain the sound development momentum of China-EU relations. China and EU should actively expand practical cooperation, and align China's "Belt and Road" initiative with the European Strategic Investment Plan, to inject new driving energy into the development of China-EU relations.

Paolo Gentiloni congratulated the complete success of the BRF. This meeting sent a positive message on promoting an open international economy and trade. Italy is willing to participate in cooperation of infrastructure construction under the framework of the "Belt and Road" construction. Over the years, Italy-China relations have been enjoying a sound development. Italy adheres to the one-China policy, and attaches great importance to developing its relations with China. The country stands ready to, together with China, keep high-level exchanges, enhance cooperation in such fields as economy, technology, agriculture, health care, education, tourism and small and medium enterprises, and commits to promoting the development of EU-China relations.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.