Premier Li Keqiang called for further cooperation with Spain during a meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Beijing on May 13.

Rajoy is in Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on May 14 and 15.

Premier Li said Spain is China’s important partner in the European Union (EU) and both sides respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. China is willing to work with Spain to expand bilateral trade and investment, and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, including technology and people-to-people exchanges, the Premier said.

He noted that the two countries should work together to safeguard trade liberalization and facilitation, and seek collaboration with third-party markets by exerting each advantage so as to produce win-win outcomes and mutual benefits.

He also expressed the hope that Spain will relax restrictions on high-tech products exported to China, which will contribute to trade balance.

Premier Li highlighted that China always supports the process of European integration and hopes to see its prosperity and stability, adding that the EU should carry out its promised obligations in Article 15 of the protocol on China’s accession to the WTO as scheduled and boost development and cooperation between China and Europe.

Rajoy said Spain attaches great importance to the development of China-Spain ties, mutual trust and understanding. Spain is willing to work with China to enhance growth in trade and investment, while sticking to anti-protectionism in international trade.

More cooperation can be explored in third-party markets, such as infrastructure construction, education and tourism, and more effort will be made to advance the China-EU relationship.

State Councilor Yang Jing also attended the meeting.