spain-china
Li and Zapatero agreed that Spain's turn in the European Union presidency, beginning in the first half of 2010, will be a good opportunity to strengthen relations between China and the EU
22.11.08 - 09:34 -
Zapatero and Yuanchao pose for photographers outside the Moncloa Palace.
China's deputy premier told Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Friday that Beijing supports a more prominent political and economic decision-making role for the Iberian nation at the international level.
Li Yuanchao, who also met on Friday with the leader of the opposition party, Mariano Rajoy, was welcomed by Zapatero at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid.
The prime minister and his visitor, according to the government, reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and agreed on the need to further bolster already strong ties and reduce Spain's trade deficit with China.
While Li expressed support for a expanded international role for Spain, Zapatero said China should be at the forefront in global efforts to coordinate a solution to the economic crisis.
To that end, the Chinese official called for new mechanisms for solving the crisis - the current ones have been useless, Li said - and both leaders agreed that greater oversight, regulation and supervision of the financial system are essential.
Li and Zapatero agreed that Spain's turn in the European Union presidency, beginning in the first half of 2010, will be a good opportunity to strengthen relations between China and the EU.
