Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares Bueno in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to expand cooperation in economy, education, culture, tourism and other fields.
China and Spain should view bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and develop a more strategically resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said.
Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said China stands ready to work with Spain to make good preparations for the high-level exchanges in the next phase.
China welcomes Spanish companies to seize the opportunities presented by China’s vast market, continue investing in China and deepen their engagement, Wang said, adding that both sides can also enhance cooperation and exchanges in education, culture and tourism.
China is willing to extend the visa-free policy for Spain and welcomes more Spanish citizens to visit China, the Chinese foreign minister said.
Stressing Spain’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Albares said that King Felipe VI of Spain will pay a state visit to China, using the opportunity to further expand cooperation and exchanges in trade, investment, culture, education and tourism.
Spain is willing to jointly uphold multilateralism with China, maintain the international trade order and rules, and contribute to promoting world peace and addressing global challenges, Albares said.
Dialogue and cooperation serve the interests of the European Union and China, and Spain is ready to play a constructive role in this regard, he added.
The two sides also held in-depth exchanges on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East peace process.