A Chinese non-governmental organization (NGO) leader Tuesday praised the China-Spain Forum for boosting cooperation between the two countries.

"The forum has played a positive role in boosting exchanges and cooperation in fields of politics, economy, culture and sports between China and Spain," said Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The China-Spain Forum was established in July 2003 as a non-official, high-level institution that is composed of four committees of economy, politics, culture and education. The forum holds its annual meeting in China and Spain in turn.

The Chinese Chairman of the Forum is now Hu Qili, a former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the Spanish Chairman is Juan Antonio Samaranch, honorary president of the International Olympic Committee.

The forum has received great attention from the governments of China and Spain, including Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Spanish King Juan Carlos, since the forum was founded, according to Chen, who is also Chinese executive chairman of the forum.

Chen made the remarks just before Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's upcoming official visit to China from July 21 to 23 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

"The prime minister's China visit coincides with the second anniversary of the founding of the China-Spain Forum and therefore has special significance," Chen said.

Sources said Zapatero will attend the celebration activities for the second anniversary.

"China hopes to further promote the friendly exchanges and all-around cooperation with Spain through this forum," Chen told Xinhua.

According to Chen, China and Spain are preparing for the third meeting of the forum scheduled to be held in Shanghai in Spring next year, which will highlight economic and trade cooperation.

The Spanish Ambassador to China Jose-Pedro Sebastian de Erice also spoke highly of the forum, saying that it has made contributions to promoting understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

"I believe the forum will continue pushing for the development of long-term friendly ties between the two countries," the ambassador said.

Source: Xinhua