Wu calls for more Sino-Spanish exchanges

Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and his Spanish counterpart called for more economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries on Thursday to boost bilateral ties.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, said Spain, whose relations with China have sustained nearly four decades, is one of the China's best friends in the European Union.

On a six-day visit to the country, which is mired in an economic struggle, Wu said China supports the Spanish government's efforts to maintain the stability of its financial system and restart its economic growth.

"We believe that Spain can overcome the temporary obstacles, and China is willing to offer help, as its capacity allows," he said.

Noting that strengthening Sino-Spanish relations is mutually beneficial, Wu pledged to continue the high-level visits between the two countries and promote cooperation in trade, agriculture, communications and renewable energy.

"Bilateral cooperation between China and Spain has entered its best time since 2005, when the two established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the relations have become a model for countries of different social mechanisms," he said.

Wu said China appreciates Spain's support on issues of fundamental interest to China. The country is also grateful to Spain's efforts on urging the EU to recognize China's status as a complete market economy as well as to lift the ban on arms sales.

President of the Spanish Congress Jesus Posada said Wu's visit shows China highly regards its relations with Spain and the visit will have a long-term influence on bilateral relations.

Posada said no matter how the Spanish political situation changes, its support on the one-China policy and its emphasis on the relations with China will remain unchanged.

"The new Spanish government will continue to support China as one of the firmest supporters in the EU," he said.

China is Spain's largest trade partner outside the EU. The two-way trade volume reached $27.3 billion in 2011, an 11.7 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Chinese embassy in Spain.

Last year, the two countries signed 15 government agreements and economic and commercial contracts worth 7.5 billion dollars.

During his stay in Spain, the last stop of a four-nation European visit, Wu will also meet King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and President of the Senate Pio Garcia-Escudero to exchange views on promoting ties.