China-Spain relations stable, mature: top legislator

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Jesus Posada, president of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, in Beijing, capital of China, July 4, 2013. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

China-Spain relations have become increasingly comprehensive, stable and mature, China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said Thursday during a meeting with Jesus Posada, president of the Congress of Deputies of Spain.

Zhang said that as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of official ties this year, China is ready to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership with Spain for even greater growth.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said that inter-parliamentary exchanges represent an important part of bilateral relations and play an irreplaceable role in deepening understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Zhang said the NPC and the Spanish Congress of Deputies should exchange experience in the areas of law-making and national governance, and the two sides should carry out practical exchanges on subjects of common interest and those related to each country's development strategy.

Posada, the first Spanish Congress of Deputies president to pay an official visit to China in the past decade, said bilateral links have seen smooth growth and rich fruits over the past four decades.

He said the Spanish Congress of Deputies is ready to deepen contact with the NPC and actively promote bilateral practical cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.