Meloni pledged to restart Italy’s cooperation with China

In her first official visit to Beijing during her tenure as prime minister, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged to restart cooperation with China by signing a three-year action plan.

According to Reuters, Meloni announced this news in a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and said that his 5-day visit is to show Italy’s intention to resume bilateral cooperation. Meloni, who considers China’s investment in Italy as a way to stimulate the economic growth of his country, is going to meet with other officials of this country later.

Currently, the Italian government is said to be in talks with Chinese automakers to acquire a major manufacturer.

In 2019, Italy became the only G7 country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, last year, under pressure from the United States, it was forced to withdraw from this plan due to concerns about Beijing’s economic reach.

Translator: Zahra Najafi