Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero(R) in Madrid, Spain, January 5, 2011. [Ding Lin/Xinhua]

Spain has also been a firm supporter of the European Union (EU)'s early recognition of China's full market economy status and lifting of the arms embargo against China, Zapatero said.

Expressing Spain's confidence to tide over the current economic woes, the prime minister said some of the government's efforts have taken initial effects, and Spain will always remember China's support in the crucial moment.

Li said that closer cooperation between China and Europe -- two major economies and two important forces in the world -- will contribute to world peace and prosperity.

China firmly supports the European Union's integration process, its efforts to achieve steady economic growth and long term development, its vital role in international affairs as a key pole in the multipolar world, he said.

Li hoped that China and Europe will deepen their allround cooperation in coping with the global economic crisis, and establish a future-oriented, equal, cooperative and sustainable partnership.

Li voiced his appreciation about Spain's efforts to push the European Union to recognize China's full market economy status and lift its arms embargo on China. He hoped that Spain will play a more active role in this respect.

Zapatero said that Spain looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China, particularly in the financial and services sectors.

More Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in Spain and more Chinese tourists are welcome to visit the country, he said, adding that Spain will provide all necessary convenience and support for them.

After the meeting, the two sides signed a series of agreements on cooperation in the financial, communications, energy and food sectors in the presence of Li and Zapatero.

Li also met with Spanish King Juan Carlos and Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez Wednesday.

Li arrived in Madrid Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Spain, the first leg of a three-nation European tour that will also take him to Germany and Britain.