BEIJING (AP)

— In a significant diplomatic meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation with Italy during his discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Xi highlighted the historical connection between the two nations, noting their positions at opposite ends of the ancient Silk Road trade route. This meeting comes after Meloni's decision to withdraw Italy from China's Belt and Road Initiative in December, a move that has been a point of contention in their bilateral relations. Despite the previous withdrawal, Meloni signed a new agreement on Sunday aimed at fostering collaboration on trade and various other issues. This marks her first state visit to China as prime minister, underscoring the importance of Italy in China's broader strategy to strengthen ties with European nations. The Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone of Xi's foreign policy, seeks to enhance global trade through infrastructure development while deepening China's international relationships. During the meeting, Xi remarked on the historical exchanges between China and Italy, asserting that these interactions have significantly contributed to the mutual understanding of Eastern and Western civilizations. He stressed the necessity of interconnectedness among nations, stating that cooperation leads to progress, while isolation results in regression. Meloni, in response, acknowledged Italy's potential to play a crucial role in bridging China's relationship with the European Union, particularly in light of recent tensions, including the EU's imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and concerns over China's support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.