Ties between Italy and China are "excellent" and the two countries want to further strengthen their bilateral relations, head of state Sergio Mattarella said on Friday after talks in Rome with China's president Xi Jinping.
"Relations between Italy and China are excellent and our intention is to further develop these," Mattarella told reporters.
He was speaking at a joint press briefing at the Quirinale Palace with Xi, who is on a three-day visit to Italy aimed a strengthening bilateral trade, cultural and political ties.
The expansion of bilateral ties comes within the framework of a global strategic partnership signed between the two governments in 2004, Mattarella said.
