Joint Statement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain on Further Deepening China-Spain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

กก(Madrid, 30 January 2009)

I. At the invitation of President of the Government Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of the Kingdom of Spain, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of the People's Republic of China paid an official visit to Spain on 30-31 January 2009. During the visit, Premier Wen Jiabao met with King Juan Carlos I and held talks with President of the Government Zapatero. The two sides had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, China-EU relations, global financial crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

II. The two sides shared the view that since China and Spain established the comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2005, bilateral relationship has been marked by frequent high-level contacts, robust exchanges in various fields and ever-growing cooperation, making it better than ever in history. The two sides agreed to further consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties, strengthen economic relations, promote cultural exchanges and expand cooperation in international affairs within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity laid down in international law and relevant UN resolutions. Spain reaffirmed that it adheres to the one China policy and supports the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and peaceful reunification of China.

III. The two sides shared the view that the global financial crisis has had a severe impact. As major economies in the world, China and Spain will work more closely to jointly meet the challenges and contribute to steady and sound growth of world economy. To achieve this goal, the two sides will take actions in the following aspects:

-Support enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the competent authorities and organizations in key economic areas and on policy issues.

-Encourage businesses of the two sides to increase exchanges and explore new areas and modalities for cooperation. China is ready to work together with Spain to ensure the success of the 2009 China International Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Fair, and make it a platform for closer cooperation between the SMEs of the two countries. Spain will render China all the support it needs to make the World Expo 2010 Shanghai a success.

-Vigorously develop bilateral trade and take credible measures to promote trade growth and improve trade structure.

-Expand two-way investment, strengthen cooperation in industry, telecommunications, finance, transport, railway construction and other infrastructure projects, renewable energy, environmental protection, tourism and other priority areas, increase exchanges in scientific and technological innovation, and encourage cooperation in third markets.

-Encourage air transport enterprises to expand direct flight services on the basis of mutual benefit, promote tourism and economic exchanges, and strengthen cooperation between tourism departments.

The two sides believed that the agreements on cooperation in finance, aviation, energy, television, technology, air traffic control, telecommunications and cooperation between local enterprises signed under the witness of the heads of government of the two countries are of great importance.

The two sides applauded the success of the "Year of Spain "and "Chinese Art Festival" and decided to organize more cultural exchange activities in diverse forms. While support will be given to the Spanish language teaching programs and other cultural promotion activities of the Beijing Spanish cultural centre จC the Beijing Institute of Cervantes, China will set up a cultural centre in Spain at an early date. The two sides will assist in the opening of the Chinese cultural centre in Spain and the opening of another Institute of Cervantes in China, and facilitate their smooth functioning as they carry out their missions. Full play will be given to the exemplary role of the Institute of Confucius in promoting Chinese language teaching in Spain. China will hold a "Year of Spanish Language" and Spain a "Year of Chinese Language". The two sides committed themselves to enhancing exchanges between scientific research and academic institutions and media organizations. The Chinese side welcomes Spain's participation in the 2009 Beijing International Book Fair as the guest of honor. The two sides will work closely to make the Fifth Meeting of the China-Spain Forum in Chengdu a success.

IV. The two sides agreed that the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership is at an important stage of development. With this in mind, the two countries will seize the opportunity of Spain's forthcoming EU presidency to step up cooperation under existing mechanisms and move forward China-EU relations. The two sides will maintain close coordination and regular contacts to this end. The two sides support the continued efforts to advance China-EU human rights dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

V. The two sides expressed the shared desire to strengthen cooperation at the United Nations, an important venue to effectively practice multilateralism and other multilateral organizations and fora such as the WTO and ASEM. They will step up consultation and coordination on UN-related issues, particularly Security Council reform and the Millennium Development Goals. China and Spain, both members of the Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), will take an active part in UNAOC's activities, and pursue more effective gender policies in keeping with the conclusion of the UN Fourth Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995 and its Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The two sides agreed that decisive action should be taken to address global challenges such as terrorism and climate change. They will work together to make the Copenhagen Climate Conference to be held at the end of the year a productive one. The two sides also agreed to enhance dialogue and cooperation on financial crisis and energy security and on food security in line with the decisions made at the Conference on World Food Security recently held in Madrid. The two sides committed themselves to continued efforts to promote world economic growth and advance reform of the international financial system, and to playing an important and stabilizing role in charting the reform. They will promote new development financing models in accordance with the final document of the Doha conference in November 2008. China and Spain will make concerted efforts for the establishment of a new international financial order that is fair, just, inclusive and well-managed.

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