China's FM Wang Yi visits Spain as diplomatic tour continues

On the latest leg of his diplomatic tour of Europe, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Spain one year after the two countries celebrated 50 years of official diplomatic relations.

Having met Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in the southern city of Cordoba on Sunday (February 18), Wang traveled to the capital Madrid for a series of talks on Monday (February 19).

Wang was due to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI during his first visit to Spain in six years. The visit aims to "enhance friendship, promote cooperation and enrich the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership," according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The EU is China's largest trading partner, with relations between the pair at a high point after a successful year celebrating their diplomatic golden anniversary. 

Sanchez visited China last year in March, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

On Monday it was reported that restrictions on Spanish beef imports to China, in place since 2000, will be lifted. 

Joint trade is worth over $50 billion between the two nations, while China recently announced visa-free travel for seven EU countries, including Spain, Germany and France.

Also expected to be on the agenda was the two countries joining forces in the fight against climate change, specifically working on green transition areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport and water management.

On a lighter note, Wang had some good news for Spain's panda fans, announcing that a young panda couple will be making their way to Madrid soon.

On Tuesday (February 20) Wang heads to France for the 'China-France Strategic Dialogue,' the "first important visit between the two countries this year," according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It's an important year for China and France, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, and Beijing hopes to "deepen strategic communication, advance practical cooperation along with greater people-to-people and cultural exchanges."

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