On the evening of November 4, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy diplomatic relations over phone.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in the 50 years, China and Italy uphold mutual respect and trust, mutual benefits, mutual learning and supporting despite of the changing international environment. The comprehensive strategic partnership benefits both countries and their peoples, and sets an example of bilateral relationship for countries of different political systems and cultures. In face of the COVID-19 outbreak, China and Italy join hands to address the challenge and set a good example for the international community. The two countries should sum up experiences and look into the future to further elevate the bilateral relationship in the new era.

Xi Jinping stressed that the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee has adopted the proposal on developing the 14th Five-year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-range Objectives through 2035. China will stick to the new concept for development, shape the new development structure, and push ahead high-quality development and the reform and opening-up from a higher starting point. He welcomed Italy and all countries to participate in China's development for win-win results. China and Italy should continue communications at all levels to expedite win-win cooperation in all fields, facilitate exchanges and dialogues between civilizations and secure the sound development of China-EU relations.

Xi Jinping stressed that human are in a community of shared future featuring solidarity. The sure way for us to move forward is through peaceful development, working together and win-win cooperation. China supports Italy's combat against the pandemic and will continue to give Italy necessary helps. It will also work with Italy to support the WHO and other organizations and build a community of shared health. China will support Italy to chair G20 in the next year and together with Italy enhance G20's important role in global governance and world economic recovery.

Mattarella said he absolutely agrees with President Xi Jinping's comments on the two countries' relationship. Italy and China boast long friendship. Italy is proud of the sound development of the relationship and deepening exchanges and cooperation in the half century. Facing the pandemic in 2020, the two countries give helps and supports to each other. Italy appreciates the most needed helps from China. Italy-China friendship has been tested and will last forever. Italy will uphold the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership to enhance friendship, expand cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges. Both countries will host the Winter Olympics and expect supports from each other. In face of the pandemic, climate change and various global challenges, they should adhere to multilateralism and promote international cooperation. Italy will stand with China to support the WHO, strengthen coordination in G20 and other mechanisms, improve global governance and make due contributions of the two ancient civilizations to world peace and development. The growth of China suggests huge opportunities for EU-China cooperation. Italy will actively support and participate in the development of EU-China relations. He added that he appreciates the friendship with President Xi Jinping and looks forward to visiting China after the pandemic.