Italy has officially ended its participation in an agreement with China for rail freight transport. This was confirmed by a letter from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) to Beijing stating the non-renewal of the memorandum signed in 2019. The decision was taken due to economic and political concerns. Despite the withdrawal, Italy intends to continue developing relations with Beijing in a pragmatic manner. Prior to the withdrawal, meetings were held to cultivate the strategic partnership between the two countries. The non-renewal of the agreement, which expires on 22nd March 2024, was also influenced by political considerations. Italy has joined a US-funded project for a new India – Middle East – Europe economic corridor as an alternative to the Chinese network.
