The mayor of Beijing signed an agreement to become a sister-city with Madrid with visiting President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid in Spain Monday in Beijing.

Wang Qishan and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Qi held a meeting with Esperanza Aquirre before signing the agreement.

Liu, also member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said during the meeting that Beijing and Madrid are both well-known historical cities, which have the same task to promote economic development and urban construction.

Wang said both sides have frequent exchanges and communications in recent years. The signing of the agreement will enhance and deepen the friendly relationship between Beijing and Madrid.

Aquirre said Madrid hopes to strengthen cooperation with Beijing in such fields as economy and trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.

The Autonomous Region of Madrid is both capital of Spain and the biggest autonomous region in Spain. It is also the political, economic and cultural center of the country.