Luo Shugang (left), minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, delivers the keynote speech during the meeting in Rome, Italy, on March 22, 2019. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

President Xi Jinping and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella met with entrepreneurs and representatives of cultural institutions from both countries and delivered keynote speeches during Xi's state visit last Friday.

Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang and Liu Yuzhu, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China exchanged ideas on future collaboration with Italian counterparts. Over 40 culture and tourism organizations and enterprises, including delegates from the Palace Museum, National Museum of China, and National Center for the Performing Arts, attended the conference.

In his keynote speech, the minister spoke highly of the Sino-Italian cultural cooperation system. He said fruitful results have been achieved with two countries working together on cultural heritage protection, tourism, creative design, film and TV industry.

The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy. Luo said both nations will further consolidate comprehensive strategic partnership, and successfully run the "Year of Culture and Tourism" activities.

Alberto Bonisoli, the Italian minister of cultural heritage and activities, said China and Italy have set a great example of cultural exchange. Italy is willing to deepen mutual understanding and push Sino-Italian relations to the next level.