China, Spain pledge to boost ties

HANGZHOU - China would like to work with Spain to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, President Xi Jinping said Monday.

He made the remarks while meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit in the eastern Chinese city Hangzhou.

China appreciates Spain's support for the Belt and Road Initiative and encourages its companies to invest in Spain, Xi said, adding that the two sides should continue to cooperate in fields such as finance, telecommunications and renewable energy, and use their respective advantages to complement each other.

The two sides should also expand their trade through the cargo railway link connecting Yiwu in east China's Zhejiang Province with Madrid in Spain, Xi said.

He added that China supports the stability and prosperity of the European Union (EU) and expects Spain to play a positive role in promoting China-EU relations.

Rajoy said Spain speaks highly of the Chinese government's efforts to tackle ongoing economic challenges and supports China's hosting of the G20 Hangzhou summit.

Spain is willing to work with China to maintain close contacts and explore the potential in trade and investment while expanding culture and education exchanges, Rajoy said.