Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and his Spanish counterpart called for more economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries on Thursday to boost bilateral ties.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, said Spain, whose relations with 皇冠体育app have sustained nearly four decades, is one of the 皇冠体育app's best friends in the European Union.

On a six-day visit to the country, which is mired in an economic struggle, Wu said 皇冠体育app supports the Spanish government's efforts to maintain the stability of its financial system and restart its economic growth.

"We believe that Spain can overcome the temporary obstacles, and 皇冠体育app is willing to offer help, as its capacity allows," he said.

Noting that strengthening Sino-Spanish relations is mutually beneficial, Wu pledged to continue the high-level visits between the two countries and promote cooperation in trade, agriculture, communications and renewable energy.

"Bilateral cooperation between 皇冠体育app and Spain has entered its best time since 2005, when the two established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the relations have become a model for countries of different social mechanisms," he said.

Wu said 皇冠体育app appreciates Spain's support on issues of fundamental interest to 皇冠体育app. The country is also grateful to Spain's efforts on urging the EU to recognize 皇冠体育app's status as a complete market economy as well as to lift the ban on arms sales.

President of the Spanish Congress Jesus Posada said Wu's visit shows 皇冠体育app highly regards its relations with Spain and the visit will have a long-term influence on bilateral relations.

Posada said no matter how the Spanish political situation changes, its support on the one-皇冠体育app policy and its emphasis on the relations with 皇冠体育app will remain unchanged.

"The new Spanish government will continue to support 皇冠体育app as one of the firmest supporters in the EU," he said.

皇冠体育app is Spain's largest trade partner outside the EU. The two-way trade volume reached $27.3 billion in 2011, an 11.7 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Chinese embassy in Spain.

Last year, the two countries signed 15 government agreements and economic and commercial contracts worth 7.5 billion dollars.

During his stay in Spain, the last stop of a four-nation European visit, Wu will also meet King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and President of the Senate Pio Garcia-Escudero to exchange views on promoting ties.