July 31 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining (right) met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on July 31 in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Chen noted that China and Italy, both ancient civilizations and comprehensive strategic partners, are willing to further expand their cooperation. He emphasized deepening pragmatic cooperation in trade, technology, and industry, as well as promoting cultural exchanges and friendly interactions between the people of the two countries. He welcomed Italian companies to leverage open platforms like the China International Import Expo to introduce new products, technologies, and services to the Chinese market.

Meloni remarked that her visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy and the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death. She acknowledged Shanghai as a bustling international metropolis that hosts many Italian businesses, making it a key link in enhancing Sino-Italian cooperation. She expressed hope for extending cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, technological innovation, enterprise services, and industrial development, while also promoting practical actions, strengthening cultural exchanges, and achieving mutual benefits.

July 31 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi.

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng (right) met with Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi on July 31 in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaifabu]

Gong noted that China and Pakistan are strategic partners and emphasized Shanghai's role as an important bridge for friendly cooperation between the two countries. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for leveraging the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative to further deepen pragmatic cooperation with Pakistan and achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. He welcomed increased cooperation in areas such as trade, industry, and ports, inviting Pakistani companies to continue showcasing their products at the China International Import Expo and expanding their presence in Shanghai. Gong also looks forward to Pakistan creating a safe and predictable business environment for Shanghai enterprises investing in Pakistan. Additionally, he called for strengthening cultural exchanges and deepening interactions in education, culture, and youth exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

Ambassador Hashmi commented that, in his 30-year diplomatic career, he had visited many major cities worldwide, and Shanghai stands out as one of the cleanest, safest, and most livable metropolises. He praised Shanghai's significant economic scale, improving air quality, and vibrant technological innovation, noting it has become a city with new quality productive forces. Hashmi highlighted the close cooperation between Pakistan and China in various fields and welcomed Shanghai enterprises to invest in Pakistan, emphasizing the vast potential for future collaboration.

Source: "shanghaifabu" WeChat account