Chinese President Xi Jinping received the Golden Key of the City of Madrid on Wednesday at Madrid City Hall from the city mayor Manuela Carmena.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madrid mayor Manuela Carmena at Madrid City Hall on November 28, 2018. [Photo:CGTN]

Xi thanked Carmena for presenting the Golden Key, saying it is his honor to receive it and the key represents the friendly feelings of the Spanish people toward the Chinese people.

He said he wishes to use the key to further open up the door of communication between the two peoples.

Madrid is a famous historical city, world-renowned cultural and tourist center, as well as the window for exchanges between China and Western countries, Xi noted.

Madrid became the sister city of Beijing in 1985, said the president, adding that regional exchange is an important part in China-Spain friendship.

Xi said he believes that exchanges between Madrid and China will yield more fruitful results and contribute more to bilateral ties.

Carmena said exchanges between Madrid and China have become closer and Xi's visit to Spain will provide more opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

On the same day, Xi also laid a wreath at the Monument to the Fallen for Spain.

Xi is currently in Spain for a state visit from November 27 to 29, the first by a Chinese head of state to Spain in 13 years.