Spanish Second Deputy Prime MinisterJavier Arenas and the vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Wang Zhaoguo, pledged on Thursday to deepen the relations between the two countries.

At a meeting with Wang in the Spanish Congress, Arenas emphasized the significance of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries in facilitating Spain's entry into the Asian market.

He said that to "promote the presence of Spain in the Asian continent" is a goal pinned down in Spain's state project Plan Asia, which would also benefit China and facilitate its penetration in Spain.

Arenas reviewed the 30-year diplomatic relations between the two nations, which he believed would see further improvement in the future.

Wang spoke of Spain's devotion and achievements in fulfilling its role as one of the most important nations in the European Union.

Arenas also emphasized the importance of the First China-Spain Forum, which will open on Dec. 18-19 in Beijing.

Initiated in July after three years of joint efforts by both sides, the forum is designed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

It will provide a platform for personnel from both sides, who are dedicated to boosting the two nations' political, economic, cultural and sports exchanges and cooperation.

Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio will attend the forum, and Juan Antonio Samaranch, former president of the International Olympic Committee, will act as a cochairman on the forum.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2003)