Italian president Sergio Mattarella hosted a special concert at the Paolina Chapel of the Quirinale in Rome to express solidarity with China as it is challenged by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The concert, part of the initiatives organized to celebrate Italy-China cultural and tourism links, was performed by the pianist Jin Ju with music by Domenico Scarlatti, Chen Peixun, Qu Wei, Zou Xiangping, Fryderyk Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Chinese ambassador to Italy, Li Junhua, and representatives of the Chinese government attended the event and expressed gratitude for the support shown by the Italian president.

The concert was not the first action that Mattarella has taken since the spread of coronavirus to show solidarity with the Chinese people and government. First, he sent a letter to Chinese president Xi Jinping expressing Italy's support, friendship, and willingness to offer help wherever possible. 

Last week, the Italian president also made a surprise visit to a primary school in Rome with a significant number of Chinese students and shook their hands reminding them that "friendship and peace are fundamental."