The meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, was held amid Rome’s possible withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative in December this year.

“But whatever the decision, it will not jeopardize the excellent relations with China; the memorandum is just part of the relations; there is a strategic partnership and we need to revitalize it,” Tajani said on Sunday during the first day of his official visit.

The head of Italian diplomacy attended a mass at the North Cathedral and devoted this first day to culture and the links it promotes between the two parties. He also met with representatives of his country’s industry based in Beijing.

From a political point of view, Tajani expects to discuss with Wang the Ukraine issue, China’s role as a peace mediator, and immigration and stability in Africa.

As part of his agenda until Tuesday, September 5, the visitor is due to meet with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

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