Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng today welcomed visiting Spanish King Juan Carlos I at the guesthouse of Shanghai's City Hall.

Han said Spain and China have enjoyed a long and deep friendship, and Juan Carlos was also an old friend of Shanghai. Han said he hoped the visit of the king would enhance trade relationships between Spain and Shanghai, which are already developing at a fast pace.

This is the year of Spain in China and with its splendid civilization and culture, Spain is familiar to Shanghai people who love the nation's music, dance, and sports.

Han also invited the Spanish guests to visit World Expo 2010 when it opens in Shanghai.

Juan Carlos thanked Shanghai for its warm reception. He said Shanghai had made amazing achievements in its rapid development. He hoped the two countries will have more cooperation in wider fields, including in trading, culture and education, as well as the design of Spanish pavilion in the Expo 2010.

Carlos said Spain will make an extra efforts in its participation in the World Expo which he said will be a window to show Latin and Spanish culture.

Other leaders present at the meeting included vice-Mayor Tang Dengjie and China's Ambassador to Spain, Qiu Xiaoqi.

After the meeting, Juan Carlos visited the Urban Planning Hall.