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ROME, March 21-- The partnership between Italy and China is built on solid foundations, Italian President Sergio Mattarella told Xinhua in an interview ahead of a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and this partnership is "built on solid foundations, inspired by natural convergences between two very ancient civilizations," said Mattarella, who paid a state visit to China two years ago. Mattarella ascribed the positive achievements in bilateral relations to efficient intergovernmental dialogue and the "growing and fruitful interaction between our peoples, who are so similar in terms of industriousness and creativity." Both China and Italy recognize that "uniting the efforts of the entire international community is needed to successfully face the main challenges of our time, from the safeguarding of peace and stability, fighting climate change, to enacting the agenda for inclusive and sustainable development," Mattarella noted. Xi's visit, which starts Thursday, is an expression of the "solidity of the bond and the mutual respect" between Italy and China, he said. "I believe there could be no better way to celebrate the eve of the important anniversary (our two countries) will share in 2020, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations," Mattarella said. | 
