The “Year of Culture and Tourism” activities will be held in China and Italy in 2020
According to the Joint Communique of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Italy on Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership released on March 23rd, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Italy at the invitation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella from March 21st to 24th. During the visit, Xi held talks with Mattarella and Conte on bilateral ties, as well as international and regional issues of common interest. Both sides agreed that a steady progress has been made in mutual political trust and practical cooperation since establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004. Against the backdrop of profound and complex changes in the world, the strengthening of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership is conducive to safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting sustainable development and prosperity. The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy. Both nations will further consolidate comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of mutual respect and benefit for win-win outcomes.
Both sides are satisfied with the increasing activities in performances, museum exchange, design and cultural heritage protection, according to the joint communique. China and Italy highlight the significance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges in ensuring a steady relation between two sides, and fully confirm the role of China-Italy cultural cooperation mechanism as a platform for cultural dialogue and cooperation. Moreover, the “Year of Culture and Tourism” activities were announced to be held in both countries in 2020 when it marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy. The two sides also expressed willingness to strengthen cultural cooperation that includes heritage protection and fight against relic trafficking. Both countries encourage tourism visits so as to enhance civil friendship and push forward the cultural heritage protection and utilization.
It also pointed out that both sides will support the comprehensive implementation of 2017-2020 Action Plan to Strengthen Cooperation in Economy, Trade, Culture and Science and Technology, and further advance the cooperation in fields such as environment and sustainable energy, agriculture, sustainable urbanization, health, aviation, space technology, infrastructure and transportation. Both confirmed that Italy will engage in the Second China International Import Expo as the main guest. Besides, both sides hoped to reach an agreement on mutual recognition of driver licence. There are 19 intergovernmental cooperation documents signed during Xi’s visit.