China, Spain to build more strategically resilient, dynamic, internationally influential bilateral ties: Xi

BEIJING -- China is willing to work with Spain to build a more strategically resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership with greater international influence, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing. It marks King Felipe VI's first state visit to the country after his enthronement, and the first visit by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years.

Welcoming King Felipe VI to China, Xi noted that both China and Spain boast profound historical and cultural heritages. Over the past more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have consistently approached and advanced their bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, Xi said.

The two countries have respected and supported each other, and helped each other succeed, setting a model of friendly coexistence and common development among countries with different historical and cultural backgrounds and social systems, Xi said.

He added that both China and Spain have played a vital role in promoting global openness and cooperation, as well as upholding international fairness and justice.