On November 16, 2016 local time, President Xi Jinping met on the Sardinia Island of Italy with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy.

Xi Jinping thanked Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife for coming from Rome for the meeting here, and expressed sincere condolences to the people who were affected by the earthquake hitting Italy not long ago. Xi Jinping wished the Italian people to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland at an early date.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Italy is a trustworthy good friend and important cooperation partner of China in the EU. The development momentum of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership is encouraging. China attaches high importance to bilateral relations, and is willing to make joint efforts with the Italian side to enrich the connotation of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Both sides should maintain high-level exchanges, intensify personnel exchanges at all levels, enhance the docking between the "Belt and Road" initiative and Italy's development strategies, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

Xi Jinping stressed that the EU is an important pillar of the world and a comprehensive strategic partner of China. At present, the European situation is going through key changes. The Chinese side supports a prosperous and stable Europe. It is hoped that Italy could play a positive role in promoting the long-term, stable and healthy development of China-EU relations.

Xi Jinping briefed the sixth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Matteo Renzi expressed that both Italy and China are countries with long history and ancient civilizations. Both countries enjoy a long-standing friendship and bilateral relations enjoy a sound momentum of development. Italy spoke highly of China’s development achievements, and is willing to actively participate in the “Belt and Road” construction, and deepen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, energy, innovation, culture and tourism with China, so as to benefit the two peoples. The Italian side devotes itself to constantly advancing EU-China relations to jointly safeguard world peace and stability.

Mme.Peng Liyuan, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.

Xi Jinping made a technical stop on the Sardinia Island of Italy on his way to the Republic of Ecuador, the Republic of Peru and the Republic of Chile for state visits and to attend the 24th APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit held in Peru.