The signing ceremony for the cooperation agreement between the Centre for Europe and Africa (China Today) under China International Communications Group (CICG) and Spain’s Friends of China Association to establish the “China Today Salon in Madrid” took place in Spain on November 10. The China Today Salon aims to create a space for across-the-board interactions between China and Spain, as well as between China and Europe, to promote Chinese culture, enhance bilateral friendship, and encourage cultural exchanges. 

Representative attendees pose for a photo at the signing ceremony held in Spain on November 10 for the cooperation agreement between the Centre for Europe and Africa (China Today) under China International Communications Group (CICG) and Spain’s Friends of China Association to establish the “China Today Salon in Madrid.”

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. I believe the establishment of the China Today Salon in Madrid will inject new vitality into bilateral exchanges in such fields as trade, culture, media, and education,” CICG President Du Zhanyuan said at the ceremony.   

Member of the European Parliament Javier Nart observed in the speech he delivered at the ceremony, “China is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs, and the international community also needs China’s contribution.” Nart hopes that China and Europe will reinforce their communications and exchanges and so promote their respective development.   

Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Spanish Senate Antonio Gutiérrez Limones said at the ceremony that there is great potential for China and Spain to increase cooperation in many fields, particularly education, tourism, and new energy, as well as in the third market of Latin America. Limones also emphasized how vital it is that China and the EU reach a consensus on and jointly tackle global issues such as climate change and food security.   

Noting that China Today had set up its salon in Cairo, Egypt, earlier this year, China Today President Hu Baomin declared that the main mission of the China Today Salon in Madrid is to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe, and thus advance common development. He hopes that the China Today Salon in Madrid will foster brand activities through cultural exchanges, in a bid to build itself into an important platform for China-Europe cooperation in such fields as culture, education, publication, and think tanks.  

President of Spain’s Friends of China Association Antonio Miguel Carmona admits that the peoples of Europe have scant knowledge or understanding about China. On the other hand, however, CEOs of Spain’s companies, scholars, and think tanks, have expressed willingness to embrace exchanges with China. Carmona anticipates that the China Today Salon in Madrid will become an important platform for China-Spain exchanges in economy, culture, and education. With the founding on November 6 of the Europe-China Friendship Association, moreover, Carmona, former candidate for mayor of Madrid, has become the president of two China-related associations.  

More than 20 representatives of Spain’s political, industrial, commercial and cultural sectors attended the event. Among them were Member of Parliament of Madrid Region José Manuel Berzal, Stellantis (PSA-Peugeot-Citröen) Global General Director of Marketing Rafael Prieto, film director Antonio del Real, and actress Yolanda Brown.