国内英语新闻:Chinese, Spanish PMs discuss boosting bilateral trade links over phone

BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero discussed ways to make Sino-EU relations more mature and stable in a phone conversation on Monday.

Wen said China highly values its economic and trade cooperation with Spain and firmly backs Spain and the European Union (EU) in their efforts to overcome difficulties and realize economic recovery and growth.

Wen spoke highly of Spain's active role in promoting ties between the EU and China.

He said reinforcing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU is in the fundamental interests of both sides as profound changes are taking place in the current international political and economic landscape.

He urged political leaders on both sides to offer vigorous guidance in this regard.

The Chinese premier, who will attend the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting and the 13th China-EU summit early next month, said he is looking forward to mapping out comprehensive cooperation plans with the EU side and exploring ways to jointly tackle global challenges.

Wen also said he wishes to work for pushing forward the resettlement of problems existing between China and the EU, so as to make the bilateral relationship more mature and stable and make it develop forward with full vitality.

On his part, Prime Minister Zapatero spoke highly of the development of the Spain-China relationship and expressed thanks to China for its strong support for Spain as well as the EU to tackle the financial crisis and stabilize the economy.

He said Spain would like to use the mechanisms such as the mixed committee on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries to enhance economic and trade cooperation with China in an all-round way and boost the further development of their bilateral ties.

He said the EU attaches great importance to its ties with China, and the 13th China-EU summit is of great significance to the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China, adding that Spain is ready to contribute to the success of the meeting.