Xinhua News Agency Reports on the CASS Academy of Marxism Hosting the China-Europe Forum Italy Venue
The Fourth "China Path Europe Forum" was held in Rome, Italy, on the 13th. The event, hosted by organizations including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Italy’s Gramsci Foundation [1], was attended by over 100 experts and scholars from institutions of higher learning and think tanks from both China and Italy.
Founded in 2014, the "China Path Europe Forum" maintains venues in Spain, France, and Italy. This year marks its fourth session, themed "Sino-European Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative" [2]. The forum aims to strengthen academic exchanges between China and Europe, increase European society's understanding of China, and promote friendship and cooperation between the two sides.
Silvio Pons, President of the Gramsci Foundation and Professor of History at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, stated at the forum that the Belt and Road Initiative is a pioneering undertaking in the contemporary world. He noted its grand objectives and broad geographical reach, which benefit not only economic and trade cooperation but also promote exchanges in culture and various other fields. He emphasized that Italy and China should expand multi-field, comprehensive cooperation along this path.
Deng Chundong, Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, stated that although information is highly accessible in contemporary society, reporting on Chinese affairs by European media remains incomplete and even subject to deviations. He stressed the need for in-depth exchange between China and Europe, expressing hope for more bilateral interactions to promote mutual cooperation.
Zheng Xuan, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, remarked in her address that Italy served as the terminus of the ancient Silk Road and remains an important hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. Noting Italy's advantages and specialties in numerous fields, she highlighted the many points of convergence for the future development of both countries. China is willing to join hands with Italy, seize opportunities, and ensure that Sino-Italian relations progress steadily and reach far [3].
The attending Italian scholar Palante stated that the Belt and Road Initiative is a concrete reality rather than an abstraction. He noted its benefit to the development of Eurasian relations and its possession of boundless potential and vitality; the various advantages it fosters will surely contribute to world peace and prosperity.
Scholars and officials from institutions including CASS, the Ministry of Education, Nanjing Normal University, Northeast Normal University, China University of Political Science and Law, and Nanjing University, as well as the University of Siena, the University of Naples "L'Orientale," the Italian Marx Ventuno Association [4], and the Italian Communist Party, delivered specialized speeches and engaged in discussions. Their talks focused on the Belt and Road Initiative, economic and political ties between China and the European Union, and the construction of a new type of globalization.