China-Spain relations are of great significance in promoting world peace and stability

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero stressed that in an interview with Xinhua at the ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (far left) and Chinese Ambassador Wu Haitao at the ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Spain diplomatic relations on May 18. (Source: Xinhua)

The ceremony was held by the Chinese Embassy in Spain in Madrid on May 18, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (March 9, 1973-2023).

Former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero affirmed that the development of relations between Madrid and Beijing is of great significance in promoting world peace and stability as well as solving global challenges.

Noting that both China and Spain have undergone tremendous changes in recent decades in terms of development, modernization and opening up to the world, Zapatero said the friendship between the two countries has deepened and bilateral relations have grown stronger.

In Mr. Zapatero's opinion, learning Chinese should be promoted in Spain to improve Spanish people's understanding of Chinese culture and history.

He himself often reads books about China and works by Chinese writers.

Mr. Zapatero served as Prime Minister of Spain from 2004 to 2011 and visited China several times during his tenure.

At the end of March, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited China at the invitation of his host counterpart Li Qiang.

According to Reuters , this is the second visit by a European country's leader to China since Beijing lifted strict restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Chinese leaders affirmed the significance of the visit taking place at the time of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, assessing this as a new starting point for the two sides to promote the comprehensive, mutually beneficial strategic partnership in depth.

Spain takes over the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would work to promote dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-he-trung-quoc-tay-ban-nha-co-y-nghia-to-lon-trong-thuc-day-hoa-binh-va-on-dinh-the-gioi-227910.html