Chinese Vice Premier Visits Netherlands

Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing arrived in Amsterdam Sunday for a three-day official visit to the Netherlands.

In a written statement distributed to the press at the airport, Li said his visit is aimed at further improving friendly relations and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

"I hope that this visit will attain the goals of deepening mutual understanding, enhancing mutual trust, broadening common ground and promoting cooperation."

Li said China is happy with the fact that the two countries are expanding and deepening cooperation in various fields such as economics and trade, science and technology, culture, and education.

He said the two peoples have enjoyed "age-old friendly exchanges."

"The past few years have witnessed an increase in the exchange of visits at various levels between our two countries. The successful visit to China by Her Excellency Queen Beatrix last April, in particular, has served as a great impetus to the development of China-Netherlands relations."

The Chinese vice premier said he is looking forward to an extensive exchange of views with leaders of the Netherlands on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest and to meeting with business leaders to discuss ways to further strengthen economic cooperation and trade.

Li arrived in Amsterdam after he wound up a visit to Malta. Before his trip to Malta, the vice premier visited Cuba, where he also attended the South Summit.



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