习近平对意大利进行国事访问
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Rome Thursday for a state visit to Italy.
中国国家主席习近平周四抵达罗马，对意大利进行国事访问。
It is the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the European nation in 10 years.
Two Italian fighter jets escorted Xi's plane as it entered the country's airspace.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted by senior Italian government officials at the airport.
While delivering a written speech upon arrival, Xi said that the China-Italy relations have withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 49 years ago.
Upholding the principle of mutual respect, trust and benefit, China and Italy have constantly promoted their friendship and cooperation, setting an example of developing bilateral ties between two countries of different social systems, cultural backgrounds and development stages, Xi said.