ROME, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Relations between Italy and China are "very positive," and the bilateral relationship is "excellent, constructive and dynamic," Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini has said.
Salvini made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on Monday during the reception co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Italy and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
"I am very positive about the current state of relations between the two countries," Salvini said, noting that he had visited China and remained in contact with many entrepreneurs and representatives of the Chinese community in Italy.
"I can't wait to return to China," Salvini said, adding that as the minister responsible for public works and transport, he had "a lot to understand and a lot to bring back" from China.
"In a period of conflicts, having governments that seek to be balanced and play a mediating role, as the Chinese and Italian governments are trying to do, is important," he said.
Asked about potential areas for future cooperation, Salvini highlighted transport and public works, saying the two sides are working on bridges and major infrastructure projects.
As to artificial intelligence (AI), he said exchanges between Italy and China on AI would be important. "Obviously, China is much further ahead from this point of view, but Italy has its own expertise," he said.
