Italian Foreign Minister Visits China to Discuss Trade and Iran Issue
To strengthen economic ties between the two countries and urge Beijing to contribute to peace processes in Iran and Ukraine, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited China on Thursday. The foreign minister's office stated he would meet with China's Minister of Commerce and Foreign Minister later that evening in Beijing. Tajani also serves as Vice Prime Minister in the far-right government led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
At the outset of his trip, in a video filmed aboard the plane and posted online, the Italian foreign minister said: "We are working hard to support our businesses so they can conduct more operations in highly attractive markets like China." He added: "Of course, I will also request that China and its government contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine."
AFP noted that China is a crucial export market for Italy: it is Italy’s second-largest export destination outside the EU, after the United States.
According to forecasts from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade volume is expected to reach nearly €7.5 billion in 2025, representing an 11.2% increase compared to 2024.
The ministry stated that the minister will also focus on eliminating obstacles faced by businesses and rebalancing trade and investment flows.
This three-day visit, which concludes on April 18, includes cultural exchanges. He will unveil an exhibition of masterpieces by Italian Renaissance artists curated by Florence’s renowned Uffizi Gallery in Beijing.
On Friday, he will travel to Shanghai to meet with representatives of the Italian business community.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862641968187595/
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