31st March 2023 – (Beijing) Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met in Beijing on Friday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties between the two nations. Li emphasised China’s willingness to deepen friendship and expand cooperation with Spain in all fields, taking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to promote progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Li urged both countries to consolidate political mutual trust, maintain closer exchanges and communications, and further synergize development strategies. As strong supporters of multilateralism and globalisation, Li stressed that both countries should take a clear stand against unilateralism and protectionism, uphold the international order and systems based on the UN Charter, and jointly ensure the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains.
China is ready to work with Spain to boost trade and investment, strengthen the synergy of industries, and foster new growth points for cooperation in areas such as new energy and advanced materials, Li added. He welcomed more Spanish enterprises to do business and invest in China and expressed hope that Spain would provide a fair, just and unbiased market environment for Chinese companies.
Li also recognised Spain as a trustworthy partner of China in the EU, emphasising that a sound China-EU relationship is in the interests of both sides and the international community. He urged efforts by both sides to enhance communication and coordination and foster new growth engines for cooperation, including the digital economy, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence, in preparation for the China-EU leaders’ meeting scheduled later this year.
Sanchez reiterated Spain’s commitment to strengthening exchanges and dialogues with China in the post-COVID-19 era and promoting greater development of China-Spain bilateral relations. He highlighted Spain’s support for enhanced communications and cooperation between the EU and China and vowed to promote it during Spain’s rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of this year.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral cooperation in education, customs, and sports, marking a significant step towards enhancing the partnership between the two countries.