Beijing, April 16th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Marta Betanzos, Spanish Ambassador to China.  

Liu said, last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with visiting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Spanish side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to mutual respect, maintain close communication and dialogue, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples. The Chinese side appreciates Spain's adherence to the positive and friendly policy toward China, regards Spain as an important partner in the European Union (EU), and is willing to jointly promote China-EU cooperation in addressing global challenges. The CPC is willing to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with all political parties in Spain to push for in-depth development of bilateral relations.   

Betanzos said, Spain and China enjoy a traditional friendship and fruitful results in practical cooperation. The Spanish side is willing to strengthen exchanges with the Chinese side at all levels, deepen exchanges in political, economic, trade, and cultural fields, promote cooperation in agriculture, tourism, clean energy, electric vehicles and other projects, and push for greater development of bilateral ties. Spain is willing to play an active role in helping the EU, Latin America and China to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.  

Zhao Shitong, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.