China, Netherlands vow to enhance ties

THE HAGUE, Feb. 28 -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday met with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher in The Hague, and they exchanged views on efforts to promote bilateral cooperation.

Yang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and The Netherlands 42 years ago, bilateral ties have achieved substantial progress. The Netherlands has been China's second biggest trade partner in European Union for 11 consecutive years.

China is willing to make joint efforts with the Dutch side to continuously enhance high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as strengthen communications in order to push bilateral and China-Europe ties to a new height.

China commended the Dutch side for its positive policies toward China and its great efforts made for the upcoming 2014 Nuclear Security Summit, which will be held on March 24-25 in The Hague. China is willing to make joint efforts with The Netherlands and all relevant parties in order to make the summit a success.

For his part, Asscher said The Netherlands-China relations have been developing soundly. The Dutch side is eagerly looking forward to Chinese leader's visit to the country. The Netherlands is willing to enhance cooperation with China on all fields and to promote bilateral ties.

The Netherlands advocates free trade and is against trade protectionism, said Asscher, adding that his country will make active contribution to progress in Europe-China relations.

Asscher thanked China for its support on the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit, vowing to keep close communication with China.

Yang also met with Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans on Friday.

The Netherlands is the last stop of Yang's three-nation tour in Europe, which also includes France and Britain.