Premier Li Keqiang called Mario Draghi on Feb 13, congratulating him on being appointed Italy’s new prime minister.

Premier Li said Italy is China’s important partner in the European Union. Since last year, the two countries have been fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic jointly with close, high-level exchanges and an effective government-to-government cooperative mechanism.

He would like to work with Prime Minister Mario Draghi to elevate the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to deliver more benefits to both countries and peoples, Premier Li said.

China will support Italy as the G20 presidency country, and work with Italy to promote global cooperation against the epidemic, as well as for economic recovery.