STORY: Friendship, collaboration between Italy and China beneficial: Italian deputy PM
SHOOTING TIME: Sept. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Sept. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:14
LOCATION: Rome
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the National Day reception
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Italian): MATTEO SALVINI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Italian): MATTEO SALVINI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
                           
STORYLINE:

Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, highlighted the significance of learning from China's experiences. Speaking to Xinhua during the National Day reception held in Rome on Sept. 17, Salvini also described China as a model in infrastructure construction.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Italian): MATTEO SALVINI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
"As Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, I see you (China) as a model in terms of the development of bridges, ports, airports, highways, railways, high-speed trains, artificial intelligence, smart roads, and modern construction. I haven't been to China in several years, but I expect to return by 2025 as Deputy Prime Minister, as Minister (of Infrastructure and Transport), and as an Italian representative in China, because, especially in my sector -- construction, innovation, transport, and mobility -- there are significant cases to study."

Salvini also expressed his hope for deepening collaboration between Italy and China and between China and Europe as a whole. The minister called the bilateral partnership "crucial" for peace and global stability.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Italian): MATTEO SALVINI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
"I believe that dialogue, friendship, partnership, and collaboration for Italy (with China) and also for Europe are absolutely beneficial, positive, and necessary.
I believe this friendship is important for the future. We have a millennia-old history, and I believe that, especially in the name of peace and global stability, the friendship between Italy and China is crucial."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Rome.
(XHTV)