At the invitation of Palmi Municipal Government, the Italy Innovation Center delegation commenced a three-day official visit to the city on July 22. This visit aims to deepen strategic cooperation in cultural tourism, educational innovation, sports industry and other fields, establishing a long-term stable partnership.

During the welcoming ceremony at Palmi City Hall, Mayor Giuseppe Ranuccio extended warm greetings on behalf of the municipal government. In his address, Mayor Ranuccio stated: "As a culturally significant city in southern Italy, Palmi has consistently championed international exchange and cooperation. This collaboration with the Italy Innovation Center will inject fresh vitality into our local development."

Substantive progress has been achieved in cultural tourism cooperation.

The delegation, accompanied by Palmi Tourism Bureau Director Giuseppe Magazzu and Deputy Director Angela Zerbo, conducted focused inspections of local renowned tourist attractions including the Casa della Cultura museum. Director Magazzu provided detailed introductions to Palmi's abundant historical/cultural heritage and unique natural landscape resources. The museum's rich art collections and profound cultural legacy impressed all parties, facilitating dynamic discussions on cultural tourism cooperation in a productive atmosphere.

Director Magazzu stated: "We are particularly optimistic about cooperation prospects with the Chinese market, and plan to develop specialized cultural tourism routes for Chinese visitors featuring historical site explorations, culinary experiences and other thematic programs."

Significant strides have been made in educational cooperation.

During discussions on education, representatives from Palmi's education department and the delegation held preliminary talks on potential collaboration. Both sides exchanged insights on their respective education systems' characteristics and current developments, while exploring possibilities for future joint initiatives such as:

Cooperative school programs

Faculty/student exchanges

Curriculum development partnerships

Mr. Xu Shunwu, President of the Italy Innovation Center, remarked:
"Such cross-cultural educational exchanges will not only facilitate resource sharing but, more importantly, cultivate a new generation of globally competent talent."

A Palmi education official added:
"International education collaboration remains one of our key priorities. Today's dialogue has inspired fresh approaches, and we will now develop specific implementation plans."

Football exchanges emerged as a highlight.

During the visit, AC Milan brand ambassador and Italian football legend Daniele Massaro specially received the delegation. The star defender of Italy's 1994 World Cup squad presented AC Milan's 2025/2026 season jersey to the delegation and engaged in friendly exchanges with President Xu Shunwu.

Mr. Massaro stated: "Sports exchanges serve as an excellent way to enhance mutual understanding between our peoples. With Chinese football's rapid development in recent years, we maintain an open attitude and welcome all cooperation opportunities."

Both sides expressed willingness to promote youth football exchanges and elevate the sport's standards. Today's meeting deepened mutual appreciation of each other's football culture, laying the groundwork for potential future cooperation.

Mayor Giuseppe Ranuccio of Palmi stated: "This exchange has enhanced mutual understanding and unlocked new possibilities for future collaboration. We look forward to maintaining close contact with the Italy Innovation Center to progressively advance cooperation across various sectors."

Mr. Xu Shunwu, President of the Italy Innovation Center, added: "This visit has been highly productive, revealing numerous potential cooperation opportunities. The next step will involve in-depth research and discussions on specific collaborative projects."

According to official city reports, the meeting garnered significant media coverage and widespread public attention. The coverage highlighted how this exchange with the Italy Innovation Center delegation will further advance the city's development in international tourism, sports cooperation, and education training.

Local netizens responded enthusiastically. One commenter, Adele Tigano, humorously remarked: "Perhaps we could ask our Chinese friends to help build a more efficient water system—they’re known for their speed in such projects!"

This engagement marks Palmi’s entry into a new phase of international partnership. The municipal government affirmed plans to strengthen ties through diversified collaboration, creating more opportunities for local development.