Meloni, Xi agree initiatives needed to stop war, avert escalation

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 16 - Premier Giorgia Meloni and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed In Bali Wednesday that initiatives should be taken to stop the war in Ukraine and avert an escalation amid increasing Russian missile attacks and two Poles killed by a Ukrainian defence missile, the premier's office said.
    During the conversation between Meloni and Xi "the need to collaborate for the effective management of the most serious and urgent global and regional challenges was recognized. Meloni and Xi paid special attention to the war in Ukraine and its aftermath. They agreed that every diplomatic initiative should be promoted to end the conflict and avoid escalation," Palazzo Chigi said.
    "Relations between the EU and China were also touched on, hoping for their relaunch".
    Meloni, said her office, "stressed the importance that all channels of dialogue resume, including that on human rights".
    Chinese sources said the bilateral talks lasted about an hour, "much longer than expected", on the sidelines of the G20 in Bali, Indonesia.
    According to the Chinese sources, the talks took place in a "very cordial" atmosphere.
    To underline the interest in the meeting, the Chinese side deployed a high-profile delegation, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Central Bank Governor (PBOC) Yi Gang.
    Palazzo Chigi also said the talks had been marked by cordiality and said Meloni expressed the interest of the Italian Government in promoting mutual economic interests, also with a view to increasing Italian exports to China. (ANSA).