Chinese President Hu Jintao said on his arrival in Madrid on Sunday that China attaches great importance to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Spain in the interests of both peoples.

Hu is in Spain on a two-day state visit.

In a written statement, Hu highlighted Spain's long history, splendid culture and contribution to the progress of human civilization.

The friendly exchanges between Chinese and Spanish peoples date back many years and the political relations between the two countries have become increasingly strong since the establishment of bilateral ties 32 years ago, Hu said.

The bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been fruitful and contacts and exchanges in all fields have steadily been boosted, Hu added.

China attaches great importance to developing relations with Spain and is ready to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in the interests of both peoples, he said.

Hu said that he would exchange views on the issues of common concern with Spanish leaders and meet representatives from various circles in Spain before he winds up his visit on Tuesday.

Spain is the third leg of Hu's four-nation European-Asian trip, which has already taken him to Britain and Germany.

Hu will visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) and attend the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Busan.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2005)