Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Beijing Friday with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Hu expressed appreciation for the new measures Zapatero has taken to improve Sino-Spanish relations since he assumed the office of prime minister, saying that Sino-Spanish relations have developed continuously since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 32 years ago.

He noted China and Spain have maintained frequent high-level exchange of visit, the political trust has deepened, and the economic and trade cooperation expanded. The two countries have also had sound cooperation in the international affairs, he added.

"Sino-Spanish relations position in the best ever place in history, and have great potential for further development," he said.

Hu noted China is building up well-off society, and Spain is carrying out Asia action plan to expand economic cooperation with Asia. This provides Sino-Spanish relations with opportunity, he said.

Hu said China attaches importance to the relations with Spain, and would like to work with it to further cooperation in all fields and levels to upgrade the bilateral ties to a new stage.

Zapatero said the high-level exchange of visits helps promote the relations between Spain and China, indicating that during his fruitful visit, many agreements have been signed, and the two countries have consulted each other on the major international and regional issues.

He said Spain will continue to develop the relations with China, observe one-China policy, and enhance the cooperation in the political, economic and scientific fields.

Source: Xinhua