The following information was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China:

On January 30, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid. Both sides spoke highly of China-Spain traditional friendly relations, vowing to strengthen cooperation in coping with the international financial crisis and further advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Wen said Spain is a reliable good friend, partner of China in the EU. Whatever changes take place on the international arena, China and Spain have always respected and supported each other, and in particular taken into consideration major concerns of each other. Bilateral relations have been developing steadily with deepening pragmatic cooperation. China highly appreciates the understanding and support shown by Spain on issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet. It can be said that China-Spain relationship has set a good example for countries with different social systems to coexist in amity and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation. China is ready to work with Spain to push their comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level. "At present, China and Spain should join hands in tackling the financial crisis, and the primary task for us is to boost economic growth," said Wen, adding that both sides should take this opportunity to comprehensively enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

Zapatero said China, with its important international influence, plays an indispensable role on key issues regarding world peace and development. Spain-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for Spain. Spain will as always adhere to the one-China policy and commit itself to enhancing cooperation with China, especially to closer coordination with China in tackling the financial crisis. Zapatero said Spain will continue to push forward China-EU relations.

Both sides exchanged extensive views on bilateral cooperation and exchanges, pledging to make efforts in the following six aspects:

First, maintain close high-level contacts. Both sides agreed to exchange views in a timely manner to build mutual trust, enhance dialogue and coordination on macroeconomic policies and expand financial cooperation.

Second, promote a balanced growth of bilateral trade. China and Spain have planned to increase bilateral trade volume to 40 billion U.S. dollars by 2011. To reach this objective, China will send a purchasing group to Spain so as to expand its product and equipment imports from the country. Spain pledges to introduce competitive products to China.

Third, expand two-way investment, particularly in the areas of telecommunications, infrastructure construction, auto industry and logistics. Spanish enterprises are welcomed to explore markets in China's central and western regions, while Spain looks forward to receiving more investment from China. Cooperation between the two countries' small- and medium-sized enterprises is also encouraged.

Fourth, enhance cooperation in science and technology. Both sides vowed to carry out joint research and development in such fields as renewable energy, ecological environment and recyclable economy so as to foster new economic growth points.

Fifth, promote dialogue between civilizations. Both sides should give full play to the role of Confucius Institute and Institute Cervantes, carry out cultural exchanges in various forms and hold language year activities in each other. China will establish a Chinese cultural center in Spain as soon as possible and Spain will actively participate in the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Sixth, strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral areas. Both sides agreed to jointly oppose trade protectionism and work together for the establishment of an equitable, fair, tolerant and orderly international financial system. They also pledged to push for the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals and actively tackle climate change and other challenges.

After the meeting, Wen and Zapatero attended a signing ceremony for a number of documents on the two countries' cooperation in finance, aviation, energy, telecommunications and local enterprise cooperation. China and Spain also issued a joint statement on further strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two leaders also jointly met with representatives from entrepreneurs of the two countries. Wen encouraged the entrepreneurs to contribute to developing the economies of the two countries, addressing the financial crisis and promoting China-Spain friendly cooperation.

Copyright 2009 States News Service