Beijing, May 12th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Congress of Deputies of Spain led by Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies of Spain. 

Liu said, in recent years, Chinese and Spanish leaders have maintained close exchanges, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, well implement the Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhance the alignment of development strategies, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and facilitate exchanges in culture, sports and other areas to achieve greater progress in bilateral relations. At present, the world is at a crossroads as the century-old changes are accelerating, and unilateralism, protectionism and isolationism are undermining the international order. Both China and Spain have a long history and splendid culture, and share the same or similar views on many major issues. Both sides support free trade and uphold multilateralism. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Spain to jointly safeguard a fair, reasonable, rule-based and open multilateral trading system and inject more confidence and positive energy into the world economy. China regards the European Union (EU) as an important partner and hopes that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. 

Liu said, the CPC is willing to enhance political dialogue with Spanish political parties, increase mutual understanding and trust, and further consolidate the foundation for the development of China-Spain relations. Currently, China is comprehensively deepening reform, expanding high-level opening up, and advancing Chinese modernization. China is willing to share development opportunities with Spain and other countries around the world. 

Ruiz said, Spain-China relations have maintained good development. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has visited China many times, and the most recent visit was very successful, reaching important consensus with Chinese leaders. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Spain is willing to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and tourism, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change. China has achieved great accomplishments in poverty alleviation and epidemic response, and plays an important role in resolving global hot issues. Both Spain and China are committed to developing the economy and ensuring that all people share the fruits of development. There are many similar positions between the two sides. We appreciate the major initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, such as the Global Civilization Initiative. Spanish political parties are willing to engage in candid and in-depth dialogue with the CPC to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries. The current international situation is turbulent, both Spain and China are committed to peaceful development and should join hands to keep the world away from war. We look forward to China's greater role in international affairs. Spain will continue to promote the development of relations between EU and China. We positively evaluate the achievements made in the China-US trade talks and hope that the two sides will reach an agreement as soon as possible and make substantive progress on tariffs. China-US cooperation not only serves the interests of both countries but also benefits all countries around the world, including European countries. 

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues such as the Ukraine crisis. 

Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Marta Betanzos Roig, Spanish Ambassador to China, and members of the Congress of Deputies of Spain from Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, Sumar, Republican Left of Catalonia, Together for Catalonia, Basque Solidarity and others, were present.