(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-15 14:30

MADRID - The closing ceremony of the "Year of Spain" was held in Madrid on Thursday, marking the success of the Spanish theme year which started in China at the beginning of 2007.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a congratulatory letter. Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Bernardino Leon Gross and Chinese Ambassador to Spain Qiu Xiaoqi attended the ceremony.

In his message, Yang Jiechi expressed congratulations to the success of the "Year of Spain." He stressed that this year marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain diplomatic ties.

China is willing to continue to develop the friendship between the two peoples and promote cooperation in various areas, bringing the relations between the two countries to a higher level, Yang said.

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Qiu Xiaoqi said the reciprocal China-Spain culture years enhanced the political, military, trade, and  educational exchanges between the two countries, deepened the mutual trust and understanding between peoples from both countries.

Since China and Spain established comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005, recent years have seen the frequent high-level visits, smooth political dialogues and growing trade and economic relations, said  Bernardino Leon Gross, adding that 2007 cultural year hosted by the two countries consolidated the basis for further development of Sino-Spain partnership.

In the "Year of Spain" in 2007, more than 200 activities were carried out in China, mainly focusing on the areas of literature, education, sports, tourism, drama, science and technology.