Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with Esperanza Aquirre, president of the Autonomous Region of Madrid of Spain, in Beijing, Jan. 17, 2005.

Head of China's political consultative body said in Beijing on January 17 that Beijing and Madrid should strengthen cooperation while Beijing is preparing for the Olympic Games.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remark during his meeting with Esperanza Aquirre, president of the Autonomous Region of Madrid, Spain.

Jia said the central government of China places high importance on the preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. It had required the municipal government of Beijing to stage a unique and high-standard Olympic Games.

Jia noted that at present, preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games are in full swing under the strong support of people from all sectors both at home and abroad. Since Spain is very experienced in holding large-scale sports events and had hosted a successful Olympic Games, China is willing to learn from the advanced experience of Spain in this respect. Jia said China welcomes Spanish companies to play an even proactive role in Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Olympics.

Beijing and the Autonomous Region of Madrid signed an agreement of friendship during Aquirre's visit to Beijing. Jia said the signing of the sister-city/region agreement laid a solid foundation for expanding exchanges and cooperation between Beijing and Madrid, the capital cities of their respective countries. Jia expressed the wish that the two sides should make substantial progress in their friendly relations.

Aquirre said Beijing is the first place she visited outside Spain after assuming the office of the President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid. She said the region pays great attention to expanding its relations with China and

Beijing. The region is ready to further deepen cooperation with Beijing in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture and sports.