King Felipe VI of Spain has arrived in China for a state visit. This is the first trip by a Spanish monarch to the country since his coronation and the first in 18 years. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the King and Queen Letizia at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Talks were held during the meeting.
President Xi noted that China and Spain possess a deep historical and cultural heritage and play a vital role in promoting global openness and cooperation and in defending international equity and justice. He highly praised the contributions of the Spanish royal family to the development of bilateral relations.
The Chinese leader emphasized that at a time when the international situation is characterized by intertwined changes and turbulences, the world needs more constructive forces dedicated to peace and development. He also stated that China is willing to work with Spain to build a more strategically resilient, dynamic, and influential comprehensive strategic partnership.
In turn, King Felipe VI highlighted the bilateral relationship as one of "mutual trust, under the principles of respect and shared prosperity".
Xi Jinping called on both sides to further consolidate mutual support, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic guidance, and ensure that bilateral relations always remain on the right track. He also called for further advancing pragmatic cooperation.
China is ready to import more high-quality Spanish products and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the two countries should expand bilateral investment, create more flagship projects, leverage their complementary strengths, and jointly explore third-party markets like Latin America.
China and Spain were also urged to strengthen exchanges in the fields of culture and education and to support each other in the successful management of their respective cultural and linguistic institutions in the other country. President Xi added that China will continue its visa exemption policy for Spanish citizens to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
"In the over 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries have addressed and advanced their bilateral ties from a long-term strategic perspective. The two nations have respected and supported each other, helping each other to prosper, establishing a model of peaceful coexistence and common development between countries with different historical and cultural backgrounds and different social systems," the report states.
