CÓRDOBA, Spain: Chinese foreign minister during a meeting with Spanish counterpart on Sunday agreed to lift a ban, that Beijing had imposed on imports of Spanish beef.
Beijing has since 2000 placed a complete ban on the European Union from exporting beef products due to the emergence of some cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy comely known as mad cow disease in several members states of the bloc in that year.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during a joint news conference with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Cordoba termed it as good news, especially for Spanish farmers.
The development comes as farmers in Spain have for the past two weeks have been participating in the EU-wide protests over high costs, heavy regulation, and cheaper imports which have left them struggling to make money.
Chinse market to have positive impact on EU exports
Albares said in his remarks said the size of the Chinse market would have a positive impact on EU exports especially Spain.
He added that they have been requesting for this measure which will benefit the entire countryside of Spain. He noted that it is hard to find a big market like the Chinese market.
China’s foreign minister arrived in Spain after taking part in a major security conference in Munich, Germany where he said Beijing will always be a force for stability in the world.
Wang also reaffirmed China’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of doors for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
He is scheduled to hold a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday before leaving for France.
