Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held talks with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno on Wednesday in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. Both sides pledged to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, education, culture, tourism, and beyond.
Wang Yi said that China and Spain should view their bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and work to build a more resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang stated that China is ready to work with Spain to make good preparations for upcoming high-level exchanges.
Wang welcomed Spanish companies to seize the opportunities presented by China’s vast market, continue investing in China, and deepen their engagement. He also emphasized that the two countries could enhance cooperation in education, culture, and tourism. Wang announced that China is willing to extend the visa-free policy for Spain and welcomes more Spanish citizens to visit China.
Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and announced that King Felipe VI of Spain will pay a state visit to China. He noted that the visit will provide an opportunity to further expand cooperation and exchanges in trade, investment, culture, education, and tourism.
Albares said that Spain is willing to jointly uphold multilateralism with China, maintain the international trade order and rules, and contribute to promoting global peace and addressing common challenges. He added that dialogue and cooperation serve the mutual interests of the European Union and China, and that Spain stands ready to play a constructive role in this regard.
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.