Spanish FM appreciates Spain-China forum's contribution to promoting bilateral friendship

Visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos on Tuesday spoke highly of the role of the Spain-China forum in promoting bilateral ties, saying it has become a great platform to expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Moratinos arrived in Shanghai on Monday on a four-day official visit as guest of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

He said Spain-China relations develop rapidly in recent years. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Chinese President Hu Jintao realized mutual visits last year, which added vigor to the development of bilateral relations.

The Spain-China forum plays an important role in expanding the bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, culture and other fields, the foreign minister said. "We hope the forum would become an activator for further cementing the bilateral strategic partnership."

Moratinos said Spain is willing to share experience with China in hosting the Olympic Games and the World Expo, and help the country get success in holding the two great events.

He believes the two countries enjoy broad prospects for future economic and trade cooperation.

Last year, China-Spain trade volume reached 10.5 billion US dollars, an increase of 45.7 percent over the same period of previous year. A senior official with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said China will make efforts to improve the structure of bilateral trade, and promote its balanced development.

Moratinos attended the third meeting of the China-Spain forum that opened in Shanghai on Tuesday morning. He will leave here on Tuesday evening for Beijing to continue his China tour, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing on international and regional issues of common concern.

Source: Xinhua