Visit to former Ambassador of Spain to China

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 9, 1973, bilateral relations have developed steadily and healthily. The two sides have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and conducted mutually beneficial cooperation. Economic and trade cooperation has become increasingly close. "The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and China is a memorable node. We should not only review the past, but also look forward to the future." Juan Lenia Casas, former Spanish ambassador to China, said in an interview with our reporter recently.

Lenia likes to study history very much. He said that the ancient Silk Road through Eurasia promoted the progress of human civilization and accelerated the process of human development. "Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the initiative of co building the the Belt and Road. Within the framework of co building the the Belt and Road, China and co building countries have carried out cooperation in many fields, promoting global connectivity and common development."

Lenia said that China has successfully embarked on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics by implementing the reform and opening-up policy. Entering a new era, under the guidance of Xi Jinping's thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, China has adhered to the people-centered development concept, and strived to promote high-quality development, making great achievements in various fields of economic and social development.

"This year, many cities and villages in Spain have celebrated the Spring Festival of the Chinese Lunar Year of the Rabbit, which is a 'Spring Festival'. During watching various performances and tasting Chinese food, the Spanish people feel the joy brought by the Spring Festival, especially the children are very excited," Lenia said.

In Lenia's view, the channels of mutual understanding between Spain and China are increasing. Spain has set up the Cervantes Institute in Beijing, and China has set up the Confucius Institute in Spain. More and more young people from both sides have come to the other country to learn language and culture; Spain China Forum, an institutional high-end dialogue platform aimed at promoting all-round cooperation between the two countries, has achieved remarkable results; Hundreds of Spanish companies have invested and operated in China, while many Chinese companies have expanded their business in Spain.

"China is the world's second largest economy and a major country with global influence, and has made an important contribution to improving global governance." He expected Spain and China to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to achieve greater development, so that the results of practical cooperation will more benefit the people of the two countries.