(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 9 - China represents for Italy the first commercial partner in Asia, Italian president Sergio Mattarella said on Saturday in Beijing, calling for the removal of barriers hindering the entry of top Italian products into the Chinese market.
    "China is, for Italy, the first economic partner in Asia.
    "The constructive spirit that moves us calls for a balanced relationship enabling, with the removal of barriers hindering the access into the Chinese market of Italian products of excellence, of meeting the expectations of Chinese consumers, increasingly demanding and mindful of quality ", Mattarella said during a keynote speech at Peking University.
    Mattarella went on to say that "nobody in Europe, least of all Italy, imagines a season of protectionism".
    He noted that a "dialogue between Beijing and the European Union" that is "fluid, responsible and in-depth" including in the political and strategic sectors, would represent "a value".
    Such dialogue is required by "complex issues that concern all of us", including the "safeguard and promotion of every person".
    "Highlighting principles that represent a protection of civilization, regardless of political, economic or social contexts, doesn't represent an interference towards anyone.
    "It is rather a call - of universal value - towards behaviour that is coherent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which regards the entire international community", said Mattarella. (ANSA).