国内英语新闻:Chinese premier arrives in Spain for official visit

MADRID, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Friday for an official visit aimed at further bolstering bilateral political ties and cultural exchanges between China and Spain.

    Upon his arrival, Wen said in a written statement that China and Spain enjoy a time-honored friendship, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has been expanding steadily.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R, front) is greeted by Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos upon his arrival at an airport of Madrid, capital of Spain, Jan. 30, 2009. Wen Jiabao arrived Friday in the Spanish capital for an official visit.

With mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples constantly growing, the foundation of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership has been consolidated continuously, said the Chinese premier.

    Wen said he was pleased with the smooth growth of the bilateral ties between the two nations and had full confidence in the prospect of China-Spain relations.

    China highly values its relations with Spain and recognizes its important role in European and international affairs, he said.

    Wen added that he hoped to exchange views with the Spanish leaders on bilateral ties and global issues of common concerns.

    China is ready to work with Spain to boost the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high, Wen said.

    Spain is the fourth leg of Wen's week-long European tour, which began on Tuesday and has already taken him to Switzerland, Germany and the European Union headquarters in Brussels.

    Wen also attended the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum during his stay in Switzerland.

    On Saturday, Wen will fly to Britain, the last leg of his trip, which is characterized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as "a journey of confidence."