China and Spain are finding new ways to cooperate within the framework of China-Spain forum, according to the third meeting of China-Spain forum.

More than 300 participants from the two countries joined the current forum, which concluded in Shanghai on Wednesday. During the two-day meeting, participants held broad discussions on further boosting China-Spain cooperation in politics, economy, culture, law and other fields.

According to a document issued at the meeting, the two countries will enhance coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues. The two sides have agreed to set up a joint working group under the two foreign ministries to find efficient ways to cooperate with Latin American countries.

China and Spain built a strategic partnership during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to Spain last November. Participants believe such a partnership offers even greater room for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The two countries have agreed to cooperate on projects such as exploring renewable energy, environmental protection and waste disposal, the document says.

In order to promote tourism, China and Spain encourage cooperation between the two countries' airline companies and travel agencies, and will provide more convenient visa applications for students.

The two countries are promoting mutual recognition of university degrees so as to facilitate exchanges of students and scholars, the document says.

The two sides also seek enhanced cultural cooperation by holding the Year of Spain in China, cultivating high-level talents and promoting language teaching, television production and cultural relics protection.

The Year of Spain will be held in China in 2007. "It will provide the Chinese public with a window to understand Spain's culture, art and social life," said Spanish Minister of Development Magdalena Alvarez.

According to the document, the two countries encourage their authors' associations to translate more cultural works of each other, in a bid to let their people read excellent literature from each other. They will also cooperate in producing TV programs and promoting exchanges between film research organizations.

In the legal field, China and Spain plan to organize regular visits between their legal and law circles, and hold various academic exchange programs such as seminars and forums.

"Such all-round cooperation will further expand understanding between the two peoples and strengthen China-Spain friendship," Alvarez said.

The China-Spain forum, established in July 2003, is a non-official, high-level institution. It aims at boosting bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

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

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

Source: Xinhua