Spain and China established diplomatic relations in 1973 and the bilateral cooperation has made considerable progress over the past 47 years, according to Rafael Dezcallar De Mazarredo, Spanish ambassador to China.

The ambassador said recently that the Chinese-Spanish relations had been further consolidated during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Spain provided aid to China when the epidemic broke out in Wuhan city in China's Central Hubei province. Similarly, when the coronavirus spread in Europe, the Chinese people and institutions also provided support to Spain, including East China's Shandong province, which donated more than 30,000 masks to Spain through the Spanish Embassy in Beijing.

Rafael Dezcallar De Mazarredo, Spanish ambassador to China [Photo/dzwww.com]

"We will always remember and cherish the support and the friendship," the ambassador said.

Shandong is the third largest provincial economic powerhouse in China with competitive scientific prowess and renowned brands such Haier, Hisense and Tsingtao beer. The envoy said that Spain and Shandong have established good relations in many fields such as economy and trade.

The ambassador said that Spain is strengthening its scientific cooperation with China and he believed that this will bring with more opportunities for cooperation.

He also expressed his hope for strengthened cultural and tourism exchanges with Shandong.

"Shandong is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and the birthplace of Confucianism. Qufu is one of the most charming places I have visited in China. From Mount Tai wreathed in cloud and mist to the multicultural city of Qingdao, Shandong has much to offer," the envoy added.

He said that Spain has the third-largest number of cultural and natural heritage sites in the world and has unrivalled art museums.

"We are willing to promote cultural exchanges between Spain and Shandong through art exhibitions, musical performances and food fairs. We also hope that tourists from both sides will strengthen mutual visits," De Mazarredo said.

He added that Spain was willing to strengthen its cooperation with China in all areas and in global affairs -- to deepen exchanges and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, thus pushing for a continuous development of Spanish-Chinese relations.