BEIJING, SEPT 9 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for dialogue and cooperation during a visit to China today as he seeks to boost ties with the economic giant despite trade spats between Beijing and the European Union.
Speaking at a forum in Beijing, Sanchez praised the strong relationship between China and Spain.
“Despite issues where our positions are not completely aligned, we maintain our willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation,” he said today in a video shared on his social media.
“We are committed to developing a positive agenda and finding a consensual solution that benefits all parties,” he added.
He then met with the Spain-China Business Advisory Council which is part of efforts to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.
“Our objective is clear which is to foster a balanced relationship, based on respect and reciprocity that benefits both countries,” said Sanchez in his account on X.
Sanchez is set to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping and top lawmakers, according to a schedule provided by his office.
The Spanish prime minister met with Xi during his last visit to China in March 2023, and took part in the Boao Forum for Asia, similar to the World Economic Forum held in Davos in China’s Hainan province.
His visit will also take him to Shanghai tomorrow and the day after, where he will meet local officials and businesses and inaugurate the new cultural center of the Cervantes Institute. – AFP
