Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday talked with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar by phone about promoting bilateral relations, during his brief stopover on the Spanish island Gran Canaria on his route to Africa.  

Premier Wen said China attaches importance to developing friendly cooperation with Spain, and is willing to make joint efforts with Spain for this purpose.

Bilateral cooperation in various fields has been expanding and fruitful in recent years, and enjoys broad prospects, he said.

During the telephone conversation, Aznar expressed his pleasure with the progress made in the development of bilateral ties.

The Spanish government regards highly China's rapid economic growth and the role it plays in the international affairs, and will make efforts to further bilateral exchange and cooperation in political, economic and other fields.

Aznar also congratulated Wen on his successful visits to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Wen flew into Gran Canaria after a 10-hour flight from Mexico. He left around noon for the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for an official visit. The Chinese premier will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2nd ministerial conference of the China-Africa cooperation forum to be held there.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2003)