Spain and China further develop strategic relations by signing some 20 agreements

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The three-day trip will be used to update and renew the strategic relations between Spain and China, and will mark the culmination of celebrations in 2018 of the 45th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

At a working meeting, President of the Government Pedro Sánchez told President Xi Jinping of the Government of Spain's wish to foster dialogue between the two countries at the highest level and consolidate a relationship of trust aimed at tackling the challenges posed by the new international status quo. Pedro Sánchez and Xi Jinping shared an outlook on global trade under established rules and the defence of multilateralism, the main tool for tackling global challenges that range from climate change or mass migratory flows to nuclear proliferation.

The visit by Xi Jinping to Spain has led to specific results: a joint declaration that re-launches comprehensive strategic relations with China; three memoranda of understanding - one on strengthening cooperation in third markets, another on employment and Social Security and a third on cooperation on science, technology and innovation in the field of advanced materials; a double taxation agreement; an additional tax protocol to the agreement on the establishment of cultural centres; a strategic agreement to encourage the teaching of Spanish in China; and two export protocols that will facilitate the export of table grapes and pork products to this country in Asia.

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaBesides these institutional agreements, there will also be 10 business agreements between Spanish and Chinese companies (Instituto de Crédito Oficial, Abengoa, Barcelona Housing Systems, Telefónica, Técnicas Reunidas, Tecnatom, Puerto de Algeciras, Grupo SEAT, INDRA, Hospital Clínico de Barcelona), which will be signed in the presence of the two presidents and will serve as a gateway for Spanish business into the Chinese market.

President of the Government Sánchez expressed satisfaction with the agreements reached, especially due to the real impact they will have on people's lives and the support they represent for the business opportunities of Spanish companies in China.

Furthermore, Pedro Sánchez and Xi Jinping reviewed relations between the European Union and China within the framework of the new connectivity strategy promoted at the latest ASEM Summit on 18 and 19 October in Brussels attended by 51 European and Asian leaders with a commitment to boost the dynamic nature and strength of relations between the two continents. They also explored the complementary nature of and possible joint initiatives between Spain and China in regions of common interest, such as Latin America and Africa, as well as the role of and cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums of which they are both members, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the G-20, at which Pedro Sánchez and Xi Jinping will coincide again on Friday 30 November in Buenos Aires.

Promotion of cooperation between Spanish and Chinese companies

Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoThe economic-business aspects of the visit gain particular importance after the China-Spain Business Advisory Council was set up on Wednesday morning, which was due to hold its first formal meeting that afternoon at El Pardo Palace. This meeting is being attended by the two presidents. The event, which will also be attended by representatives from 15 major Chinese and another 15 Spanish companies, is aimed at boosting cooperation at both an institutional-public level and a business-private level. The Spanish companies forming part of the advisory council include Gestamp, Alsa, El Corte Inglés, Grupo Antolín, Iberia, Indra, Grupo Mondragón, Siemens Gamesa, Técnicas Reunidas, Repsol, Meliá, Maxam, Osborne, Laliga, BBVA and Grupo Santander.

Furthermore, a sizeable Business Forum was also organised earlier today on the side-lines of this visit, to which were invited numerous Spanish companies and which was co-hosted by the Spanish and Chinese Trade Ministers.

Non official translation