On November 12, former Captain Regent of San Marino and President of the San Marino-China Friendship Association, Gian Franco Terenzi, and Yang Fuqiang, representative of China International Economic Cooperation and Investment Company, signed a memorandum of cooperation, reaching a framework strategic cooperation intent for a railway construction project connecting Rimini International Airport in Italy and the Republic of San Marino.

It is reported that China International Economic Cooperation and Investment Company will work with relevant units to be fully responsible for the survey, design, and construction of the San Marino railway project. The survey and design of the San Marino railway project will begin in the first quarter of 2016. The implementation of this project will make it a reality for Chinese railways to enter the European market. Given that the railway crosses the borders of San Marino and Italy, the specific cooperation plan is still subject to negotiation among the governments of China, San Marino, and Italy.

According to reports, the San Marino railway project is about 35 kilometers long, connecting Rimini International Airport, Rimini city center, Marina center, Rimini railway station, and the urban area of San Marino. The project adopts the world's most advanced technology and is a scenic railway construction project focused on tourism and sightseeing. Both parties agreed that although the project cooperation is exempt from the bidding process, it still needs to go through feasibility study, environmental assessment, design, and other steps.

While signing the intent agreement for the railway construction project, China and San Marino also reached multiple specific cooperation intentions on projects such as the China-San Marino enterprise park, real estate investment, and financial cooperation.

Yang Fuqiang stated that San Marino was the first European country to establish diplomatic relations with New China and is the only European country with mutual visa exemption with China. The two countries have a long-term stable and friendly traditional friendship, respect each other in international affairs cooperation, and have set a model of friendly relations between a large country and a small country.

Terenzi said that the implementation of the San Marino railway construction project has received strong support from relevant Chinese parties and witnessed the development of friendly relations between San Marino and China. This is a road of friendship between San Marino and China, and it will play an immeasurable role in the economic and tourism development of San Marino.

Terenzi recalled that during his long political career, he has visited China many times and witnessed China's development and progress. The "Belt and Road" initiative advocated by the Chinese government has brought vitality and new opportunities to the world economy. San Marino is a supporter and practitioner of the "Belt and Road" construction. Expanding San Marino-China cooperation, achieving win-win and sustainable development, will further consolidate cooperation and friendship between the two countries.