Italy
In a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday, Xi said the two sides should cooperate via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He added that they must ensure the 2022 China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism is a success and support each other in successfully hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in 2026.
Draghi appreciated China’s positive efforts to combat global climate change and its role in the Afghanistan issue.
Tajikistan
Xi also held a phone conversation with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on the same day. During the meeting, Xi said both sides must continue the high-quality joint construction of the BRI and promote cooperation in economy and trade, interconnectivity, and the digital economy.
Rahmon thanked China for its COVID-19 vaccine assistance and said his government is willing to deepen cooperation in economy and trade, security, people-to-people, and cultural exchanges.
North Korea
On Thursday, President Xi sent a message to congratulate North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un on the 73rd anniversary of the country’s founding.
North Korea celebrated its founding anniversary by apparently staging a military parade in Pyongyang during the early hours of Thursday. It is the nation’s third such display in less than a year.
BRICS
Xi will attend the 13th BRICS summit virtually in Beijing on Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will also be a part of the summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The leaders are expected to discuss strategy on Afghanistan and the pandemic.
Chinese Diplomacy: Weekly Round-Up (04 - 09 September, 2021)
This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping held meetings with officials from North Korea, Italy, Tajikistan, and BRICS.
September 9, 2021
SOURCE: QUARTZ