Chinese President Xi Jinping
thanked Italian President Sergio Mattarella for his support in a
message read out by China's ambassador to Rome, Li Junhua, at a
concert at the presidential palace on Thursday.
Mattarella last week visited a Roman school frequented by
many Chinese children to show support and fight discrimination
linked to the coronavirus panic.
"Last week you wanted to meet students from an elementary
school in an area of Rome where the Chinese community is highly
numerous," Xi's message read.
"Today you wanted to organize this extraordinary concert by a
pianist of Chinese origin.
"This is another concrete gesture that shows real friendship
is seen in moments of need and I am deeply moved.
"The Chinese government has adopted rigorous and precise
measures of prevention and control to address the epidemic,
acting in a responsible way with regards to the Chinese people
and the international community, and now our efforts are
gradually producing positive effects.
"The Chinese government and the Chinese people are determined
and have the capacity to win the battle against the epidemic and
safeguard regional and global health security.
"Difficulties are temporary, friendship is eternal".
Mattarella expressed faith in the measures China is taking to
combat the coronavirus emergency.
"It is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
the People's Republic of China and Italy," Mattarella said.
"These relations are based on sincere cooperation for the
common interest.
"Italy expresses confidence in, and support for, China in the
epidemic emergency and its commitment to guaranteeing
international health security".
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