The Spanish people have pinned high hopes on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's upcoming visit to China, hoping that the visit will result in stronger cooperation in trade, renewable energy and global governance as the two countries look to deepen ties amid a complex international landscape.
The visit, scheduled for April 11 to 15, is Sanchez's fourth visit to China in four years. It follows high-level exchanges between the two countries last year, including visits by the Spanish King and the prime minister. It is widely viewed as a key moment to consolidate bilateral relations and strengthen communication between China and Europe.
In Madrid, residents expressed hope for closer ties.
"I think strengthening cooperation in science, technology and trade is the most important thing for both Spain and China," said Manuel, a local resident.
"I hope more Chinese companies will do business in Spain. Many Chinese firms are strong and active in advanced sectors like renewable energy, where I work. This would bring more business opportunities," said another resident Patricia.
China is a key partner for Spain within the European Union. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, bilateral relations have maintained a high level of development, with solid progress in various fields that has tangibly benefited the people of both countries.
Spanish international relations expert Juan Arguello noted that amid current global energy price volatility and rising geopolitical uncertainty, Spain is seeking more diverse and pragmatic foreign cooperation.
"This visit is of great importance, and the timing is critical, especially with international energy prices continuing to rise. Spain imports a large amount of technology products from China, including batteries. Sanchez is also looking to accelerate the energy transition and open up new markets by deepening ties with China," he said.
Spanish public expects PM's China visit to boost bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors
European countries have broadly welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
After about 40 days of deadly clashes, the U.S. and Iran on Wednesday agreed to pause the fighting and begin a new round of peace talks in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Friday.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday announced that the German government will resume direct talks with Iran to support the newly agreed ceasefire.
During a press conference in Berlin, Merz stated that a window of opportunity for a negotiated solution has opened for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict, though he cautioned that the situation in the Middle East remains "fragile."
Merz confirmed he had held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, urging the U.S. leader to pursue the negotiations seriously. He also said that Germany would contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
During a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker congratulated Pakistan for facilitating the ceasefire.
Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire be upheld by all sides, thereby strengthening the prospects of successful negotiations that could bring lasting peace and stability to the region and beyond.
Austria fully supports a diplomatic solution to end the war, Stocker said on X, adding that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law must be ensured.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Thursday also thanked Pakistan and all those involved for their continued work on the negotiations, adding that Britain will continue to work internationally to support the ceasefire, to promote progress on negotiations, and to restore and protect security and stability for the region, and freedom of navigation for the world.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also welcomed the ceasefire and expressed their hope for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Europe welcomes U.S.-Iran truce, urges diplomatic solution
