China, Spain vow to strengthen cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative

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01:52

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China and Spain should seize the historical opportunity of the development of the Belt and Road Initiative to step up all-round cooperation.

Wang made this remarks during his meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid, May 17, 2018. /MOFA Photo

Spain highly appreciates the Belt and Road Initiative, Rajoy said, the initiative will have an important impact on the regional economy and provide more room for cooperation.

Facing the unsettled world, Wang said that both China and Spain need to hold hands to abandon protectionist behaviors, calling for more positive energy to safeguard world peace.

The Chinese minister also attended a meeting held by Spanish King Felipe the Sixth.

King Felipe hailed the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying Spain will be more actively involved.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference with his Spanish counterpart Alfonso Dastis in Madrid, May 17, 2018. /MOFA Photo

Wang expressed appreciation for the Spain's contributions in bilateral ties. He said China welcomes Spain's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

In a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Alfonso Dastis on the same day, Wang highlighted the alignment of Belt and Road Initiative with Spain's own development strategies.

Both China and Spain are able to find more space for cooperation in the fields of infrastructure construction, energy, communication, environment protection, medication and education, Wang added.

Dastis said that Spain will positively join the Belt and Road construction project, such as expanding third-party markets.

The two ministers addressed the joint press conference after their talks.

The Belt and Road Initiative, championed by China, focuses on the development of new road and maritime trade routes connecting a large swathe of Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa.