China, Spain agree to deepen practical cooperation as FMs meet

China and Spain agreed to deepen practical cooperation and promote free trade on Monday when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno during a visit to the European country.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said both sides should strengthen strategic communication, maintain closer high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation to push for greater development of China-Spain relations in the next 50 years.

China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023.

Noting Spain is a major country in Europe and a member of the European Union with international and regional influence, Wang said that China is ready to work with Spain to further deepen cooperation and promote bilateral relations with mutual trust and benefit.

China appreciates Spain's adherence to the one-China principle and supports Spain in safeguarding territorial integrity and national unity, he said.

China and Spain are comprehensive strategic partners, and both of them support the practice of multilateralism, said Wang.

The two sides should strengthen coordination and work together to address global challenges and make new contributions to peace and development of mankind, he said.

China is ready to work with Spain to adhere to openness and support mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries to build an open world economy and advance universal and inclusive economic globalization, said Wang.

Albares said Spain has always adhered to the one-China policy and is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, activate bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and deepen practical cooperation.

Spain supports open and free trade, and welcomes Chinese investment, and the country will provide equal and favorable business environment for enterprises from all countries, he added.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as telecommunications, healthcare, electric vehicles, and green energy.

Both sides also agreed to continue the positive effects of the China-Spain Year of Culture and Tourism and enhance people-to-people friendship.

Spain expressed its appreciation for China's implementation of visa exemption for Spanish citizens, thanked China for showing trust and friendliness, and vowed to promote simplified procedures for Chinese tourists.

Both sides also exchanged views on a wide range of international and regional issues.