(MENAFN) Spanish King Felipe VI is set to journey to China next month for a state visit following an invitation from President Xi Jinping, according to authorities in Beijing on Monday. This will be the first visit of its kind by a Spanish monarch in almost twenty years.

The trip, planned for Nov. 10-13, marks King Felipe’s inaugural official journey to China since he assumed the throne in 2014.

“This is the first state visit to China by King Felipe VI since he ascended to the throne, and also the first visit by a Spanish king to China in 18 years, which holds great significance,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning during a press briefing in Beijing.

She emphasized Spain’s role as a prominent EU member and an important strategic ally for China, highlighting that this year commemorates the 20th anniversary of the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

“China is willing to work with Spain, taking King Felipe VI's visit to China as an opportunity, to consolidate traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen multilateral coordination, and promote the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve more results,” Mao added, noting the recent “high-level development” in relations between the two nations.

China stands as Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU, with bilateral commerce reaching $48.6 billion in recent years.

In June, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Madrid, where he advocated against a global trade war and stressed the importance of open markets and international collaboration.

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