Spain's Foreign Ministry and private company Telefonica on Monday launched a website of the Year of Spain in China, a cultural event that starts from February this year.

The website, www.china2007.es, contains information and a list of events which are intended to boost links between the two countries.

Available in both Spanish and Chinese, the website provides a searchable list of the dates and locations of cultural activities in China, messages from authorities, and regularly updated relevant news.

The site also includes a section on the sponsors of the event, a multimedia photo gallery and a reader's requests section.

Pablo Bravo, ambassador for the Spanish Special Year Mission in China, described the website as a good opportunity for showcasing the Spanish culture and Spain's image for the Chinese people.

"This is an opportunity that cannot be bettered to get to know a real Spain, projecting an image of modernity, innovation and diversity," he said.

Such a website will undoubtedly provide convenience in getting information and considerably enhance bilateral exchanges, Bravo said.

The idea of holding the Year of Spain in China was first raised at a China-Spain forum in Barcelona in 2004, and was finalized during President Hu Jintao's visit in 2005.

The Year of Spain, which will conclude in February next year, will underline the Spanish achievements made in economy, culture, education, sports and tourism.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2007)