UPDATE - Xi says China, Spain should jointly explore 3rd-party markets like Latin America

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM XI, REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Islamuddin Sajid and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL (AA) - China’s President Xi Jinping, during talks with Spanish King Felipe VI, said the two countries sides should jointly explore third-party markets like Latin America.

Xi also sought “more strategically resilient and dynamic” ties with Spain as Felipe VI marks his maiden trip to China, state-run Xinhua News reported.

The Chinese leader hosted the Spanish King, who is on a state visit to China, his first since ascending the throne in 2014, as well as Queen Letizia in Beijing.

Beijing and Madrid, “should expand two-way investment, create more landmark projects, leverage their complementary strengths and jointly explore third-party markets such as Latin America,” Xi told Felipe.

Spain commands influence in many parts of Latin America because of its past rule.

He called for the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations to attain “greater international influence,” state-run Xinhua News reported.

This year marks 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Spanish monarch began his four-day visit on Monday, arriving first in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province.

“China and Spain… have consistently approached and advanced their bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Xi said, adding Beijing and Madrid have “set a model of friendly coexistence and common development among countries with different historical and cultural backgrounds and social systems.”

Xi also lauded “vital role” played by the two nations in “promoting global openness and cooperation, as well as upholding international fairness and justice.”

He urged the two sides to “further consolidate mutual support, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic guidance, and ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track.”

The Chinese leader also said that Beijing “is willing to import more high-quality Spanish products, and tap the potential of cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, digital economy and artificial intelligence.”

During their meeting, Xi and Felipe witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $48.6 billion in recent years.