On February 18, 2024 local time, when jointly meeting the press with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno in Córdoba, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, China regards Spain as a trustworthy and good partner in the European Union (EU), and China is willing to work with Spain to build a bilateral relationship with strategic resolve, providing new impetus for the development and rejuvenation of both countries and injecting new vitality into China-EU relations. He expounded on the broad consensus reached between the two sides.

Wang Yi said both sides agreed that the strategic mutual trust is the solid cornerstone for the development of China-Spain relations. Last year, the two countries solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The leaders of the two countries drew a strategic blueprint for the development of bilateral relations, and pragmatic cooperation has shown vigorous vitality. The two sides will continue the momentum of high-level exchanges, create a favorable political atmosphere, reaffirm their mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns, and understand and support each other in their efforts to safeguard national unification and ethnic unity. China appreciates Spain's adherence to the one-China policy.

Wang Yi said, "We both agree that openness and cooperation are the inherent driving force for the development of China-Spain relations." The two sides are willing to expand cooperation in new areas such as electric vehicles, green energy and digital economy, provide a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment to each other's enterprises, continuously improve the quality and resilience of two-way investment, and help each other in their economic transformation and upgrading. China has announced the lifting of restrictions on imports of Spanish deboned beef from cattle under 30 months of age. He welcomed Spain to make good use of such platforms as the China International Import Expo, China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to promote its exports of more quality products to China.

The two sides agreed that people-to-people and cultural exchanges are valuable assets for the development of China-Spain relations. Last year, the two countries hosted the Year of Culture and Tourism events. The "Exhibition of Civilization of Qin Dynasty and Han Dynasty" and the "Dali Art Exhibition" attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. China has unilaterally rolled out a visa-free policy for Spain, and Spain is also ready to adopt more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries. The giant panda is an envoy of friendship between the Chinese and Spanish people. La Canción Del Panda, a children's song composed by Spanish musicians for Chulin was once popular across Spain, accompanying several generations of Spanish children as they grew up happily. China will send a pair of young pandas to Spain after the current loan agreement expires and the panda family returns to China, in a bid to sustain the "panda bond" between the two peoples that has lasted more than four decades.

The two sides agreed that maintaining a stable China-EU relationship aligns with their common interests. China appreciated Spain's contributions to advancing China-EU exchanges and cooperation when it held the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of last year. China anticipates and believes that Spain will continue to play an active role in the EU. The two countries are ready to promote China-EU joint actions to cope with global challenges such as climate change, food security and public health, shouldering due international responsibilities in a world full of uncertainties.

Wang Yi said, "We deeply felt that the international community is increasingly worried about the future and destiny of humanity and has a stronger desire for peace, stability and development." Both China and Spain are steady forces for maintaining the international order and promoting global development. China is ready to join hands with Spain to demonstrate a sense of responsibility, coordinate closely, build broader international consensus and put forth more effective solutions to push for political settlement of hotspot issues and make greater contributions to building a better future for mankind.

Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Spain, by upholding the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, to push for more positive results in exchanges and cooperation in diverse sectors, bring bilateral relations to a new level, and continue to be at the forefront of China-EU relations.