MADRID - Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday met Spanish King Juan Carlos to boost ties between the two countries.

Li first passed Chinese President Hu Jintao's greetings to and good wishes for King Carlos, wished him a happy birthday, and expressed appreciation and thanks to him and the Spanish royal family for devoting themselves to promoting China-Spain friendly ties.

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Li said China and Spain enjoy deep friendship, adding the continuous development of bilateral friendly cooperation originates from mutually trustful ties and close feelings between the two peoples.

The two countries respect each other, and support each other on issues of great concern, said Li, who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

Bilateral trade and economic ties have stood the test of the global financial crisis, and yielded fresh fruits, he added.

Li said the two countries, facing complex and changeable international situation, should develop their tradition of friendliness and mutual trust, actively promote trade and investment cooperation, expand humanistic exchanges, strengthen cooperation in international affairs, and move forward their ties better and faster in the new times.

Li and King Carlos exchanged views on how to boost ties between China and Europe.

Li said China has always held that Europe is an important force for ensuring world peace and promoting global growth, adding a united and strong Europe is beneficial for the world and in the interests of both China and Europe.

He said China and Europe should discuss their divergences and solve them through dialogue.

He also expressed appreciation toward Spain's important role in promoting understanding between China and Europe.

King Carlos, for his part, said Li's visit to Spain at this time was very important, adding he was very glad to hear China's confidence in Spain's ability to tide over the financial crisis.

He said he sincerely hoped Spain-China cooperative relations will play a great role at a time when Spain is weathering the crisis.

On Wednesday, Li also held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, and both sides pledged continuous joint efforts to promote cooperation between China and Spain, and between China and Europe as a whole.

Later on Wednesday, Li met with Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez. They exchanged views on enhancing Sino-Spanish cooperation in various fields and on international and regional hot issues of common concern.

Spain is the first stop of Li's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Germany and Britain.