Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that his country stands ready to work hand in hand with Spain to further push forward bilateral cooperation.
"China-Spain relations have witnessed sound development," Xi said when meeting with Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria during a stopover in the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on his way back home after wrapping up a week-long Latin America tour.
The Chinese president made the remarks while meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit in the eastern Chinese city Hangzhou.
"China appreciates Spain's support for the Belt and Road Initiative and encourages its companies to invest in Spain," Xi said, adding that "the two sides should continue to cooperate in fields such as finance, telecommunications and renewable energy, and use their respective advantages to complement each other."
He reportedly added that China supports the stability and prosperity of the European Union (EU) and expects Spain to play a positive role in promoting China-EU relations.
"China and Spain should keep close high-level exchanges so as to enhance mutual understanding and political trust," he suggested, as cited by Xinhuanet.
To answer, Spain is reportedly willing to work with China to maintain close contacts and explore the potential in trade and investment while expanding culture and education exchanges.
Agreeing with Xi's comments on bilateral ties, Saenz said "Spain cherishes its traditional friendship with China and stands ready to work with China to maintain close high-level contact and deepen cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, finance, science and technology, and tourism."
