The Spanish government will continue to promote pragmatic cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and encourage its enterprises to invest and develop in China, said Santos Cerdan, member of Federal Executive Committee of Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and secretary of Regional Coordination, PSOE, during an interview with Chinese media on the sidelines of an international think tank forum recently held in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu province.

Under the framework of the BRI, China and Spain have carried out important cooperation in many areas, including economy and trade, culture, and tourism, stated Cerdan, adding that, "We are welcoming more and more Chinese tourists, and China is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for Spanish tourists."

Spain also has many firms operating in China, that play a key role in increasing trade between the two countries, Cerdan said. "Spain is not only an important trading partner of China, but a gateway for Chinese companies eyeing investments in Latin America and Africa due to its unique advantages and geographic location," he added.

Cerdan commented that the BRI proposed by China is an important initiative that will help boost globalization and further the development of the world economy.

He believes that the BRI, as a long-term vision and the future-oriented initiative, is a vital platform for relevant continents and various countries to conduct trade and economic cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges on an equal footing, and will play an important part in promoting world peace and prosperity.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Spain, as well as the 13th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Belt and Road Forum for International Think Tank Cooperation was held between Sept. 18 and 20, with approximately 150 delegates, including political party leaders, government officials, think tank experts and entrepreneurs from 32 countries sharing their wisdom and insights on the prospects of strengthening economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people ties.