Chinese President Xi Jinping called for China and Spain to forge closer ties in a signed article published in a Spanish newspaper on Tuesday.

This was ahead of his state visit to the country from November 27 to 29.  

President Xi's visit to Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal is scheduled for November 27-December 5, during which time he will also attend the Group of 20 (G20) Summit to be held in Argentina from November 30 to December 1. 

In the article, President Xi explained his major goal for this tour is to discuss with other leaders the ways to cement the unity in the international community, enhance global governance, develop partnerships, strengthen friendly cooperation, and boost world peace, stability and prosperity. 

Xi emphasized that strengthening cooperation between China and Spain in the new era is a new responsibility endowed by history. 

He thus put forward several proposals to tighten the bilateral ties, including upgrading the comprehensive strategic partnership, reinforcing the exchange and coordination of development principles and fortifying pragmatic cooperation.

Also among the proposals are expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges and keeping close coordination on international affairs. 

Looking back at the 45 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, he commented that the two sides have always respected and equally treated each other and striven for a mutually beneficial cooperation.

Apart from the bilateral ties, President Xi also mentioned the China-Europe relations in the article. 

Spain is a good friend and partner within the European Union, he said, adding that China expects Spain to continue to play an active role to move forward the China-EU ties in a positive direction.