AKIPRESS.COM - At the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Mongolia, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo outlined the role of his country as a “bridge” between Asia and Latin America, EurActiv Spain reports.

The event, held in the East Asian country’s capital of Ulaanbaatar, was attended by representatives from 51 countries.

In addition to bilateral talks with India, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway and Mongolia, García-Margallo also highlighted Spain’s involvement in the political landscape, through its strategic associations and political dialogues with numerous Asian countries, with the aim of strengthening its diplomatic presence in the region.

From an economic point of view, he referred to increased efforts to promote the Silk Road, Spain’s membership of the Asian Bank and the recently-established Yixin’ou rail-cargo line, which connects Spain to China, and has led to cheaper imports.

García-Magallo also outlined the Latin-American factor of the country’s Asia-Pacific relationship and its role as an observer of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc.

In addition to saying that the Asia-Pacific link should intensify over time, the foreign minister also indicated that he has promoted Spain as a “bridge” between Asia and Latin America, during talks with countries like China, Japan and Korea.