Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the friendship and cooperation between China and Spain, saying they are in the best period in history.

President Xi, on his official visit to Spain, made the remarks on Wednesday during a welcoming banquet held by Spanish King Felipe VI in Madrid.

Both the leaders addressed the gathering. 

King Felipe VI said his country cherishes the friendly exchanges and cooperation with China as this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

China and Spain agreed to take a joint responsibility to uphold multilateralism and free trade, sharing the similar positions on climate change and African development and other issues, he said.

King Felipe VI also believed that Xi's visit is the new starting point and will accelerate bilateral relations between Spain and China.

President Xi echoed King Felipe VI's stance on advanced bilateral ties, saying that China-Spain cooperation in the future will be broader in scope and greater in depth.

Both sides agreed to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain as an opportunity to jointly build the Belt and Road, Xi said.