Xi, Sanchez praise ties

China and Spain signed a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as the economy, advanced materials, finance and telecommunications on Wednesday during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the European country.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Xi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid after the two leaders held talks and reached a wide range of consensuses. The two countries also published a joint statement to enhance a comprehensive strategic partnership moving forward.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago, China and Spain have developed healthy and stable bilateral relations despite various changes in international relations, Xi said.

Xi spoke highly of the Spanish prime minister's dedication to developing China-Spain relations and his support of jointly building the Belt and Road.

China has always cherished its traditional friendship with Spain, Xi said, adding that China attaches importance to Spain's important influence on international affairs.

China would like to make joint efforts with Spain to enrich the content of their comprehensive bilateral strategic partnership, promote cooperation in all areas, and set an example of cooperation between nations of different civilizations and different social systems, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that the two countries should strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between governmental and legislative authorities, deepen mutual political trust and continue to support each other on issues related to core interests and major concerns.

China and Spain have historic and geographic advantages in enhancing cooperation on the Belt and Road, Xi said, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative should be connected to Spain's development strategy.

The president said that the two countries should increase trading exchanges and expand cooperation in areas such as seaports, maritime transportation, airlines, new-energy vehicles and finance.

The two sides should also boost exchanges in cultural affairs, local government, tourism, publishing, health, protection of cultural relics and sports, Xi said.

China would also like to keep up communication and coordination with Spain on hot global and regional issues such as improving global governance and dealing with climate change, Xi added.

Xi pointed out that China supports the unification of Europe and said that China and Europe should support each other in jointly maintaining international order and improving global governance.

China would like to enhance the connection of the Belt and Road Initiative with the developmental strategies of the European Union to jointly promote the development and prosperity of the Eurasian continent, Xi said.

The Spanish prime minister said that Xi's state visit — the first visit of a Chinese head of state to Spain in 13 years — was of great significance.

Sanchez expressed satisfaction with the development of Spain-China relations, saying that the two countries have become important trade partners to each other, with exchanges in other areas such as culture and education also strengthening.

Spain would like to enhance mutual political trust with China and expand cooperation in all areas, he said.

The Belt and Road Initiative is an important project with historic significance, he said, adding that Spain would like to proactively participate in building the Belt and Road.

Spain firmly supports multilateralism, he said, adding that Spain would like to enhance communication and coordination with China to promote the healthy and stable development of Europe-China relations.

Meeting with business leaders from both nations, Xi expressed his gratitude for their efforts in promoting trade between China and Spain.