Italian Ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti, recently embarked on a significant diplomatic visit to South China’s Guangdong Province, marking a further strengthening of the ties between Italy and China. During his visit, he met with key figures including Chen Jianwen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guangdong Provincial Committee, and Sun Zhiyang, the acting mayor of Guangzhou, the provincial capital.
Ambrosetti’s discussions with Chen Jianwen centered around enhancing trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. He reminisced about Italy’s longstanding cooperative relationship with Guangdong, a bond that has grown over centuries, influenced by historical figures such as Matteo Ricci. This meeting underscored the deep-rooted connections between Italy and Guangdong, highlighting the potential for future collaborations.
In Guangzhou, Ambassador Ambrosetti met with Sun Zhiyang, reflecting on the robust cooperation between Italy and the city. He emphasized the strong friendship shared by Guangzhou and various Italian cities, including Bari, Genoa, Milan, Padua, and Turin. This meeting signified the importance of local-level international relations in fostering broader national ties.
The visit also included a stop in Shenzhen, a city that has witnessed phenomenal growth since the ambassador’s first visit in 1992. Shenzhen Vice Mayor Wang Shourui briefed Ambrosetti on the city’s economic and social developments. During this exchange, Ambrosetti highlighted Italy’s strengths in industry and fashion, noting the significant potential for cooperation between Italy and Shenzhen in these sectors. He remarked on Italy’s status as a global fashion capital and its influence on Shenzhen’s design sector, particularly the appreciation for Italian creativity in the city. The ambassador also noted the strengthening ties between Shenzhen and Italy, facilitated by increased direct flights between the two.
A notable moment during the visit was when Ambassador Ambrosetti bestowed the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy upon Sun Qijie, who is responsible for the Sea World Culture and Arts Center. This prestigious Italian honor was awarded in recognition of Sun’s efforts to promote Italian culture in South China. This gesture not only symbolized the deep cultural connection between Italy and China but also celebrated individual contributions to cultural exchange.
Ambassador Ambrosetti’s visit to Guangdong Province was a testament to the enduring and evolving relationship between Italy and China. The discussions and engagements during this visit highlighted the mutual interest in strengthening ties, not just in trade and economics, but also in cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador’s interactions with local leaders and his acknowledgment of individual contributions to cultural exchange illustrate the multifaceted nature of international diplomacy and the ongoing efforts to build bridges between nations through shared values and mutual respect.
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