Beijing, September 10, 2024, The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday during Sanchez’s official visit to China. The meeting underscored the growing ties between the two nations and highlighted their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
President Xi extended his greetings to King Felipe VI through Prime Minister Sanchez and reflected on the successful 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain celebrated last year. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the foundational principles of mutual respect and equality that have guided their diplomatic relations.
Looking ahead, Xi noted that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership. He called for both countries to remain committed to their original diplomatic intentions and to enhance their bilateral relationship with a long-term and strategic vision. Xi expressed hope that China and Spain would work together to advance high-quality cooperation, particularly in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy.
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to its reform and opening-up policies, citing recent advancements made during the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He encouraged Spain to continue providing a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises and urged both nations to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The President also noted that next year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations and expressed readiness to collaborate with the European Union to review and enhance bilateral relations. He emphasized Spain’s role in this process and voiced a desire to expand cooperation in third-party markets and enhance coordination within international organizations like the United Nations and the G20.
Prime Minister Sanchez conveyed warm greetings from King Felipe VI and highlighted the deep and evolving partnership between Spain and China. He acknowledged the successful signing of several cooperation agreements during his visit, focusing on green development, which reflects the significant potential and promising future of bilateral relations. Sanchez reiterated Spain’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people exchanges, enhancing cooperation in the economy, trade, and new energy vehicles, and providing a conducive environment for Chinese businesses in Spain.
Sanchez also affirmed Spain’s strategic perspective on its relations with China, reaffirming its adherence to the one-China policy and its readiness to be a reliable partner. He underscored Spain’s commitment to free trade, open markets, and its opposition to trade wars, expressing Spain’s intention to positively influence the development of EU-China relations.
Additionally, both leaders discussed global issues, including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict, reflecting their shared commitment to global peace and multilateralism.
