Xi Jinping and Pedro Sanchez Discuss Strengthening China-Spain Relations
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Monday, emphasizing the need for both nations to elevate their bilateral relations to a new level with strategic commitment.
In their discussion, Xi highlighted that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year. Since then, the two countries have maintained close exchanges and interactions, promoting high-quality cooperation in emerging areas. As the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership approaches next year, Xi underscored the importance of adhering to the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment, while fostering new dimensions in their bilateral relations.
Xi urged both nations to leverage platforms such as the Mixed Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the China-Spain Joint Commission on Science and Technology Cooperation. He advocated for advancing cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy, to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. Additionally, Xi expressed the hope that Spain would continue to provide a fair, safe, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening cultural exchanges, particularly in language education, youth engagement, culture, and tourism, to enhance people-to-people ties. Xi also noted that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, expressing China’s readiness to collaborate with the EU to review and build upon successful experiences, guiding China-EU relations towards mutual success and global benefit.
Xi emphasized that in a world marked by turmoil and change, China and Spain, as responsible nations, advocate for multilateralism and free trade. He expressed China’s willingness to expand third-party market cooperation with Spain and enhance coordination within international organizations such as the UN and G20, contributing positively to global peace, stability, and progress.
Prime Minister Sanchez, during his visit, highlighted the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between Spain and China, particularly in green development. He expressed optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation and committed to enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation in trade and new energy vehicles. Sanchez assured that Spain is prepared to provide a favorable environment for Chinese businesses.
Sanchez emphasized Spain’s commitment to preserving world peace and upholding multilateralism. He stressed the importance of international cooperation to address global challenges, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. Sanchez acknowledged China’s significant role in maintaining global peace and resolving international issues, reaffirming Spain’s strategic perspective on its relationship with China.
The meeting concluded with both leaders discussing the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, reflecting their commitment to addressing pressing global issues through collaboration and dialogue.
