(Rome News of Silk Road News Agency)On 29 September 2026, Hou Yue, the newly‑appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Italian Republic, presented her credentials to Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.
Ambassador Hou Yue conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to President Mattarella. She stated that she would faithfully perform her mission, earnestly implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, advance the China‑Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to become more stable, resilient and fruitful, contribute to the sound and steady development of China‑EU relations, and inject greater stability and positive energy into a world undergoing profound changes and multiple turbulences.
China and Italy sit at opposite ends of the ancient Silk Road, both key nations of this historic trade route. Throughout history, commercial exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations have created an enduring legacy of East‑West engagement. The Silk Road spirit passed down over centuries provides a solid historical foundation for bilateral cooperation in the new era. The Ambassador expressed anticipation that the two sides would carry forward this time‑honoured tradition, expand practical exchanges in economy‑trade, culture, science‑technology and people‑to‑people ties under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and enable the ancient Silk Road to radiate fresh vitality in modern times.
President Mattarella asked Ambassador Hou Yue to extend his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He stressed that Italy attaches great importance to China’s status as a major country and cherishes the long‑standing traditional friendship between Italy and China. Italy is ready to work with China to deepen bilateral trade and multi‑field cooperation, jointly uphold multilateralism and the international order, and make joint contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.
Ambassador Hou Yue arrived in Rome, Italy, and assumed her post on 12 September 2026.
