China, Spain agree to deepen cooperation

MADRID -- China and Spain on Thursday pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade and renewable energy in a bid to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The pledge was made during a meeting between China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said China-Spain relations are at the best time in history.

As the world still faces an unbalanced recovery and the European sovereign debt issues remain prominent, it is necessary for China and Spain to enhance pragmatic cooperation to cushion risks and promote growth, Wu said.

He made a three-point proposal in this regard.

First, the two countries should scale up two-way investment and trade. Active and effective measures are needed to bring into full play the role of cooperation mechanisms, he said.

China, Wu said, encourages its enterprises to import competitive and marketable products from Spain, such as wine and olive oil, so as to promote a more balanced trade and facilitate trade and investment.

Second, the two countries should tap the potential of cooperation in emerging fields, such as renewable energy.

China is making efforts to optimize its energy mix by implementing policies to promote the development of renewable energy, Wu said, adding that Spain is a world leader in developing wind power and solar power.

China is willing to learn from Spain's experiences in power generation management and to introduce cutting-edge technologies and equipment, he said.

Third, they should strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Both China and Spain enjoy ancient civilizations and the two peoples are attracted by each other's history and culture, Wu said.

Wu expressed hope that the two countries could strengthen promotional campaigns and create better conditions to cement cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism.

Rajoy, for his party, said Spain attaches great importance to developing friendly ties with China.

Spain would remain committed to developing all-round and friendly cooperative relations with China and expanding pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment and renewable energy, he said.

Meanwhile, more efforts would be made to enhance friendly exchanges in tourism, education and sports, the prime minister added.

During the meeting, Rajoy also briefed Wu on the economic situation in his country and some major measures against the debt crisis.

He thanked China for the aids offered to his country when they are in financial straits.

Wu said China will, as always, support Europe's effort to overcome the current difficulties and has confidence in Europe's economy and the euro.

He also pledged China will not be absent from the international support for Europe to resolve the debt crisis.

Wu arrived here Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Spain. Spain is the last leg of his four-European nation tour, which has taken him to the Netherlands, Croatia and Luxembourg.