President Xi Jinping's state visit to Italy, Monaco and France from March 21 to 26 started with Italy and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Government on cooperating on the Belt and Road Initiative. It was the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Italy in a decade while Italy became the first Group of Seven country to join the initiative, creating new space in the global efforts to advance the venture.

The two governments agreed to cooperate in diverse areas, ranging from aeronautics and trade and economy to space and environmental protection, followed by a joint communiqué on strengthening the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership.

In Monaco, reigning monarch Prince Albert II said his country is keen to expand cooperation, with science and technology, wildlife protection and renewable energy being some of the key sectors.

The French Government expressed its willingness to promote cooperation in aeronautics and astronautics, nuclear energy, agriculture, finance, education and elderly care.

France confirmed to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in Beijing later in April as well as the Second China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

The three-leg tour, Xi's first overseas visit this year, shows China's desire to promote its relations with Europe and the choice of the three destinations is significant. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and in 2020, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. At this important juncture, the Belt and Road pact provides both with major opportunities to further their relationship.

Monaco enjoys international clout in terms of environmental protection, culture and sports. Since the establishment of their diplomatic relationship in 1995, the two countries have treated each other with mutual respect and as equals. With deepening political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, they have set up an example of good relationship between two differently sized countries.

France, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a major power in the EU, is also the first major Western nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 1964. Today, China-France relations have expanded beyond bilateral terms.

The three-country visit strengthened strategic relations of close cooperation, and also reflected China's principle of treating all countries, whether big or small, equally, as well as its belief in a shared future for humanity.

The current international situation demands that China and Europe strengthen their strategic partnership. Broadly speaking, the world is undergoing huge changes, while the international community is at a crossroads in history. As major global economies, both China and Europe have the obligation to embrace globalization.

The presidential visit was a fruitful step in that direction, consolidating cooperation to create benefits for the whole world.