China and Spain pledge closer cooperation

China and Spain expressed their readiness to jointly prepare for upcoming high-level exchanges and to deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, education, culture, and tourism during a meeting in Hangzhou on Wednesday between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

Wang noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, saying it is a timely opportunity to advance bilateral ties.

China stands ready to work with Spain to prepare for the next phase of high-level interactions, to strengthen mutual understanding and support, and to promote industrial upgrading through green and digital transformation, Wang said.

He encouraged Spanish enterprises to seize the opportunities offered by China's vast market and to continue investing and growing in the country.

Beijing will extend its unilateral visa-free policy for Spain, Wang added, welcoming more Spanish friends to visit China and experience a real, multi-dimensional, and progressing country.

"Strengthening cooperation with China will contribute to upholding international peace, inject new momentum into global economic growth, and foster greater consensus in addressing global challenges," Wang said.

Amid a complex and turbulent international landscape, China and Spain can build a comprehensive strategic partnership that is more resilient and dynamic, setting an example of mutual respect and win-win cooperation for countries with different histories, cultures, and social systems, he said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. Wang emphasized the need for China and the EU to remain partners, to respect each other, to enhance communication and mutual trust, and to address global challenges together. He expressed hope that Spain would play a more active role in promoting the sound and steady development of China–EU relations.

Albares said that Spanish King Felipe VI will soon pay a state visit to China, calling it a milestone in the history of Spain-China relations.

Spain looks forward to working closely with China to ensure the success of the visit and to use it as an opportunity to further expand exchanges and cooperation in economy and trade, investment, culture, education, and tourism, he said.

Spain welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in the country, he said while reaffirming its firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Spain stands ready to work with China to uphold multilateralism, oppose unilateralism, safeguard the international trade order and rules, and jointly promote world peace and tackle global challenges, he added.

Noting that maintaining dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China serves the interests of both sides, Albares said Spain is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the Ukraine crisis and the Middle East peace process.