Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that Italy and China share the key value of openness and underlined their common historical and developmental achievements.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group, Mattarella said both countries have roots in ancient civilisations and have made extraordinary progress in many areas over the past few decades.
"China and Italy have many things in common: they are countries with thousands of years of civilisation, countries that promote cultural exchange. They are countries that have made extraordinary advances in the last seventy to seventy-five years in terms of prosperity and scientific, technological and social development because they have relied on open markets and international relations, not on protectionism, closed-mindedness and confrontation," the President noted.
He also stressed that openness is the basis for political and economic cooperation, which contributes to strengthening peace.
"That is why any message promoting political, and especially economic and trade cooperation, is a way to strengthen peace. Open markets and trade cooperation represent common interests that are being developed. And this is the antidote to conflicts and wars," Mattarella said.
According to the President, openness is not only a tool for economic growth, but also a path to social progress and the well-being of the population.
"It is a tool that enables social growth and improved well-being of the population, and offers an alternative path to conflict. That is why all initiatives requiring cooperation, whether economic, commercial or cultural exchange, are invaluable in the international community," Mattarella concluded.
The conversation highlighted the deep historical, cultural and economic ties between Italy and China, with President Mattarella calling for further development of cooperation in the interest of world peace and prosperity.
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