Two giant pandas, in what is seen as the epitome of the friendship between China and Spain, are scheduled to depart for Madrid Zoo in Spain on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

According to the agreement on international conservation cooperation and research of giant pandas signed by China and Spain in 2007, the panda couple, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding will begin a 10-year stay in Spain to further the friendship of the two peoples built upon pandas over the course of more than 40 years, Wang said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Jin Xi, a male, was born on Sept 1, 2020, with "Xi" meaning happiness. Zhu Yu, a female, was born on Oct 25, 2020, which was the Double Ninth Festival that year. Her name reflects seasonal and natural elements, embodying the profound cultural heritage of China.

Preparations are underway by China and Spain in an active and orderly manner to ensure the safe and healthy arrival of the pandas and their smooth adaptation to the new environment, Wang said.

According to the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the two pandas are undergoing quarantine and are in good health. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has provided customized crates to ensure the pandas' comfort and safety during transportation. In addition, a team of Chinese experts has given suggestions to Madrid Zoo for upgrading and renovating the panda pavilion.

Among European countries, Spain has achieved the most fruitful results in the international cooperative breeding of giant pandas, Wang said, adding that six panda cubs have been successfully bred and raised by China and Spain together over the past 17 years.

Wang said that "panda fever" has driven cultural exchanges between the two countries, further solidifying the friendship between their people.

It is believed that with the continuation of the China-Spain giant panda cooperation research project, the two countries will further enhance protection for endangered species, positively contributing to biodiversity conservation, he said.