Beijing, June 2nd—Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today at noon with Sira Rego, Minister for Youth and Children of Spain, who was in China for the 3rd World Conference of Sinologists.

Lu stated, in recent years, China-Spain relations have maintained steady and continuous development, and always stayed at the forefront of China-EU relations. President Xi Jinping has met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez four times during his visits to China in the past four years, and the leaders of both countries have provided strategic guidance for further deepening China-Spain cooperation in various fields. This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The Chinese economy has got off to a robust start and maintained steady growth. In firmly advancing the process of Chinese modernization, we will continue to expand high-level opening-up and share development opportunities with countries around the world, including Spain. Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. The future of China-Spain relations lies in the youth. The IDCPC is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Spanish Ministry of Youth and Children to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Spain, facilitate youth exchanges, and solidify the public opinion foundation for friendship between the two countries.

Rego spoke highly of the historic achievements of China under the CPC’s leadership, noting that the world is currently experiencing increased turmoil and changes, and the international order is under severe attack. The four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping have provided crucial guidance for countries worldwide to work together to address global challenges and promote a more just and equitable international order, demonstrating their contemporary value. Spain is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Spain opposes a "new Cold War" and "decoupling," and supports Europe in enhancing communication and understanding and strengthening cooperation with China.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.