Senior Chinese leader meets Spanish King

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-17 13:57

MADRID -- He Guoqiang, China's anti-graft chief, met with Spanish King Juan Carlos I Monday evening, vowing to work for a stronger partnership between their countries.

He, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, first extended the cordial greetings of Chinese President Hu Jintao to 71-year-old King.

He said China-Spain relations have been developing smoothly since they forged diplomatic ties in 1973.

He said it was the common aspiration of both nations to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, which was established in 2005 when Chinese president visited Madrid.

"As China-Spain relations stay at their all-time high, we should make joint efforts to boost the ties," said he, also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

He said China would like to work more closely with Spain on economy, trade science, technology, culture, telecommunications, finance and renewable energy for the interests of both nations.

He lauded King's contribution to China-Spain relations and appreciated King's long-term commitment to bilateral friendship.

Under the leadership of two heads of state, China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership will definitely be upgraded, He said.

King asked He to send his best regards to Chinese President Hu. Carlos hailed the bilateral cooperation and called for increased joint work on economy, trade and culture.

Carlos said, despite their long distance, Spain and China were committed to increasing mutual understanding and improving bilateral relations. He believed that both countries would build up their friendship in the future.

Carlos said his country will make positive efforts to bolster the relations between European Union (EU) and China as Spain will take the EU rotating presidency in the first half of 2010.

China's anti-graft chief arrived in Madrid on Monday for a friendly visit, which will also take him to Jordan and Mongolia.