On the afternoon of June 26, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Spain's King Juan Carlos I at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state held talks in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, agreeing to make joint efforts to further enrich bilateral ties and push the strategic partnership of the two countries to a new level.
Hu expressed warm welcome for King Juan Carlos I's state visit to China and his attendance of relevant activities of the "Year of Spain". He said since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 34 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly with frequent high-level visits, rapidly growing trade cooperation and large growth margin of bilateral trade. Both sides have maintained increasingly active cooperation on culture, education, science, technology and judicature and conducted sound consultations and coordination in multilateral agencies and affairs. Hu said the establishment of the all-round strategic partnership had charted a broader future for bilateral ties. He spoke highly of the contributions made by King Juan Carlos I and the Spanish royal family to developing bilateral ties. China appreciates the Spanish government's adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to "Taiwan independence" and also hails Spain's efforts in taking ties with China as a priority of its foreign policy and in pushing for China-EU ties, Hu said.
Hu said China is ready to work with Spain to further strengthen all levels of friendly exchanges including high-level visits, implement important agreements reached by both sides and tasks set forth in the China-Spain joint communiqué, and continue close communication, coordination and cooperation on key issues of mutual concern and international affairs. China would like to deepen cooperation with Spain on trade, economy and technology, he said, adding that China is ready to particularly step up cooperation with Spain on telecommunications, environmental protection and renewable energy. China encouraged two-way investment and sought balanced trade ties with Spain, Hu said. China is also ready to expand humanistic exchanges and cooperation with Spain and to closely coordinate with the country in holding "Chinese Arts Festival", "Year of Spain" and the fourth session of the "China-Spain Forum".
Juan Carlos I thanked the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality extended to him. Agreeing with Hu's comments on bilateral ties and suggestions on further developing such ties, the King said he would like to deepen the all-round strategic partnership through his China trip and open up broader cooperation areas. Juan Carlos I said he looked forward to stronger Spain-China cooperation on trade, culture and international and regional affairs, expressing hope that the businesses of the two countries will establish closer cooperative ties.
Prior to the talks, President Hu hosted a welcoming ceremony for Juan Carlos I at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Hu Jintao's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice Chair of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) He Luli, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Guixian, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Party Wu Mingxi, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Chinese Ambassador to Spain Qiu Xiaoqi and other officials attended the welcoming ceremony. On the evening of the same day, Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia visited an arts exhibition entitled "From Titian to Goya: Great Masters of the Museum of Prado" in the National Art Museum of China in downtown Beijing as part of "Year of Spain in China" exchange program.
