China welcomes Spain's active participation in Belt and Road Initiative: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Antalya, Turkey, Nov. 16, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

ANTALYA, Turkey, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Monday that his country hopes for Spain to give full play to its advantages and actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

During a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy after the 10th Group of Twenty (G20) summit in this Turkish resort city, Xi suggested the two sides maintain close exchanges at various levels and promote the dovetailing of their industries.

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's diplomatic ties with the European Union (EU), Xi said China stands ready to work with the EU to push for early results in the linking of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the EU investment plan.

Proposed by Xi in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is aimed at reviving the ancient trade routes connecting Asia with Europe and Africa through investment and infrastructure programs.

The EU investment plan, also known as the Juncker Plan, was initiated by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to boost the European economy.

The Chinese side hopes that Spain will continue to play a positive role inside the EU in and make greater contribution to the development of China-EU ties, Xi added.

For his part, Rajoy said China's adjustment of economic structure is of great significance to the world's economic development.

Spain stands ready to work with China to lift bilateral economic and trade cooperation, deepen EU-China interaction, and strengthen communication and coordination on major regional and global affairs, Rajoy added.

He also voiced Spain's support for China in hosting the 2016 G20 summit, which will take place in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

Both leaders were here to attend this year's G20 summit.

During the first session of the summit on Sunday, Xi elaborated China's views on the world economic situation, raised proposals on addressing global challenges, and called for concerted efforts to seek new impetus for global economic growth.

After concluding his stay in Antalya, Xi flies to Manila to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 18 to 19 to promote regional economic cooperation.