China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Netherlands, its second largest trading partner in the European Union, in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, clean energy, agriculture and third-party markets, Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Beijing. 

Noting that there is great potential for cooperation between the two sides, Li also said that China wants to consolidate political mutual trust with the Netherlands so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

The Chinese premier noted that China has attached great importance to developing relations with the EU and firmly supported the European integration process, adding that the two sides will jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, promote inclusive development, and maintain peace and stability. 

Rutte responded that his country is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and play a positive role in promoting the development of China-Europe relations.