This Wednesday, King Felipe VI defended the friendship between Spain and China in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping, stressing that it is not only “consistent” with the two countries’ “long history and global mission” but also benefits both countries.
This was expressed at the beginning of the King’s first state visit to the Asian country and his meeting with the Chinese President at the People’s Palace.
The King recalled the “history of visits” between the two countries, which began with the first visit by Juan Carlos I and Sofia in 1978, and continued with two visits in 1995 and 2007, stressing that over the past almost 50 years “a strong relationship of mutual trust has been established, based on the principles of respect and shared prosperity.”
The closeness between Spain and China in recent years has led to some “We believe that the friendly relations between Spain and China definitely benefit the peoples of both countries and are consistent with our countries’ long history and global mission,” the king said amid suspicions in European capitals.
Felipe VI also referred to his personal experience, recalling that his first visit was in 2000, when he was still Duke of Asturias, and stressed: “Undoubtedly, the progress and development since that year remains very remarkable and worthy of the admiration of the whole world.”
Xi Jinping also referred to the first visit of King Juan Carlos I and Sofia, stressing that the King’s current visit is “of great importance in promoting bilateral relations and friendly cooperation.”
“The two countries have established an example of friendly coexistence and common development between countries with different histories, cultures and social systems,” the Chinese president said, and “have jointly contributed to the upholding of international fairness and justice.” In the current “complex and changing international situation,” Xi said, “the world needs more constructive forces committed to peace and development.”
“China is ready to work with Spain to build a comprehensive strategic partnership with stronger national orientation, more dynamic development, and greater international influence, in order to make even greater contributions to global prosperity, peace and development.”
King Felipe VI is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Culture, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and King Camilo Villarino, head of the household. On the Chinese side, Xi was accompanied by top officials from commerce, education, culture, and customs.
a glorious welcome
Earlier this Wednesday, Mr. Xi and the first lady received the King with full honors at the iconic Tiananmen Square, home to the People’s Palace, and greeted both delegations after what was their first official visit to China.
From the Spanish side, José Manuel Álvarez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, took part in the institutional part of the visit in Beijing, and Minister of Economy Carlos Bodhi took part in the first phase of the visit in Chengdu.
President Xi and King Felipe VI then took to the podium, where they listened to interpretations of the two national anthems, accompanied by the sound of several cannons. Afterwards, the couple gave an overview of the military and greeted the schoolchildren who greeted them with flowers and flags, before entering the People’s Palace with the Queen and the First Lady, where they were seen talking, and posing for official photos.
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