China, Spain to boost cooperation under BRI

World
Europe

01:01

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that the cooperation between China and Spain under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has many historical and geographical advantages, calling on the two countries to boost cooperation in vast areas.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. The two leaders agreed to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain as the new starting point and push forward bilateral ties.

Xi said the two countries need to synergize the BRI and Spain's "Strategic Vision for Spain in Asia" and the "Mediterranean Corridor," and enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, navigation, aviation, new energy vehicles, finance and so on.

He also called on the two countries to strengthen cooperation in culture, tourism, news industry, medical treatment and so on.

China is willing to maintain contact and coordination with Spain to improve global governance, deal with climate change and other regional and international hot-button issues, said Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Spain, November 28, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Xi hailed Sanchez's support of the BRI and said China values Spain's influence in global affairs.

On China-EU ties, Xi noted that China supports integration within Europe, stressing that China and Europe should support each other on safeguarding the international order and improving global governance.

He said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Europe under the BRI to boost connectivity in the Eurasian region and aim for the continent's prosperity.

We hope Spain could play a positive role in maintaining the China-Europe relationship along the right track, Xi said.

For his part, Sanchez pointed out that Xi's visit this time bears historic significance. It will usher in a new era for Spain-China ties, he said.

Under the new situation, Spain is willing to expand cooperation with China across the board, the Spanish prime minister emphasized, adding that Spain will actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road.

Sanchez also vowed to uphold multilateralism and coordinate with China on global issues, and move forward the Europe-China ties in a steady way.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of multiple cooperative documents in areas such as culture, economy, and telecommunication.

The two sides also issued a joint statement on strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

In the statement, China and Spain agreed to take a joint responsibility to uphold the rules-based multilateralism, commit themselves to staying in a state of communication and cooperation on regional and global affairs, deepen and expand bilateral economic and trade relations, and carry out furthered cooperation on culture and technological innovation.