Defense and security: these are some of the priorities on the agenda of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, who is on an official visit to China until 31 July. This is a move that takes place on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo and on the twentieth anniversary of the global strategic partnership between Italy and China.

"Defending who we are is the most effective tool for understanding others". Marco Polo contributed to "changing the perception of the Chinese Empire in Italy and Europe" and "traced a path" through which the current" economic, scientific and cultural relations at the basis of our relationship pass", he declared today the Italian prime minister during the inauguration of the Marco Polo exhibition at the Millennium Museum in Beijing.

"Today more than ever, if we do not want to risk peace and stability being irreparably compromised, we need, even in economic and commercial relations, a shared strategy, based on decisions that do not harm each other and follow certain principles basic", said Meloni yesterday, speaking at the Italy-China business forum in Beijing, after the face-to-face meeting with the Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang.

The Italian Prime Minister yesterday also spoke about artificial intelligence and defense: it is necessary to develop "a common reasoning" according to which "it would be a mistake" to ignore the growing risks in sectors such as health, security and defense. Today at 5.00 pm local time the meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, is scheduled and in the evening, after 6.00 pm, the dinner hosted by the head of state will be held.