Participants attending a high-level meeting said in Shanghai Tuesday that China-Spain forum serves as an important platform in promoting bilateral cooperation and plays an important role in strengthening China-Spain friendship.

More than 300 representatives from various fields of the two countries participated in the third meeting of China-Spain forum that opened here Tuesday.

The forum was established in July 2003. The Chinese Chairman of the forum is 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.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Hu said the meeting is being held at the best period of China-EU ties as well as China-Spain ties. It is an important task for China-Spain forum at the new stage to continuously enrich and deepen China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Spain is ready to share experience with China in hosting the Olympic Games and the World Expo," Samaranch said. He hopes the two sides would conduct more cooperation in this field.

Participants hold in-depth discussions on seeking further cooperation in the fields such as politics, economy, culture and the Olympic Games. In order to focus on cementing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, a China-Spain entrepreneurs' summit is held on the sideline of the meeting.

Over 260 businessmen from the two countries discussed ways to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, telecommunication, tourism and infrastructure construction. They said the meeting provides even greater room for China-Spain trade and economic cooperation.

The first and second meetings of the forum were held in Beijing and Barcelona in December 2003 and November 2004, respectively.

Source: Xinhua