Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos said that Spain-China ties are "entering a new stage".

"The Spain-China relationship has entered a new stage after the two countries established all-round strategic partnership in 2005, ushering in increased cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields," Moratinos said in a written response to Xinhua questions.

Moratinos accompanied Spanish King Juan Carlos I on a six-day state visit to China.

He lauded the King's visit as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and develop cooperation opportunities.

The King's visit, his third, coincided with the on-going "Year of Spain in China" exchange program.

Moratinos said the "Year of Spain in China" exchange program will help the Chinese people learn about modern Spain.

"The Spanish government values the trade cooperation with China and is seeking a stronger trade relationship," Moratinos wrote.

Bilateral trade volume rose by 37.7 percent to a record 14.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2006, with Spain's exports increasing sharply, bringing the two countries closer to balanced bilateral trade, according to China's Commerce Ministry.

A total of 450 Spanish companies have invested in China, and the number is likely to reach around 1,000 in the next two years.

On Wednesday morning, the king headed a 300-member business delegation to the Sino-Spanish Forum of Industry and Commerce in the Great Hall of the People.

Moratinos said the Spanish government would encourage companies to invest in China, promote travel to Spain and the Spanish language in China.

Source: Xinhua