Politics
19:27, 07-Feb-2018
China and the Netherlands to enhance ties under the Belt and Road Initiative
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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Wednesday in Beijing.
President Xi welcomed Willem-Alexander's visit, the second since he ascended to the throne in 2013, and said the two countries will boost mutually beneficial cooperation under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.
"In the state visit to the Netherlands in 2014, open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries was initiated. Goals and plans for cooperation between the two countries are made," Xi said.
In the joint efforts of both sides, consensus and cooperation agreements have been effectively implemented. Sino-Dutch relations have entered the best period of their development in the history of the bilateral ties.
Xi said that the two sides respect each other's core interests and major concerns, political mutual trust has increased and exchanges in all areas of trade, investment, innovation and cultural cooperation are being expanded.
Sino-Dutch relations are standing at a new starting point, facing new opportunities for development. "I believe in the new year, the two countries will seize new opportunities created by the Belt and Road Initiative, and carry out more practical cooperation," Xi added.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander extended New Year greetings to President Xi Jinping and to all Chinese people. He also congratulated Xi for the successful conclusion of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and wished greater developments between the Netherlands and China in the New Year.
He said the Netherlands has always attached great importance to developing relations with China and believes that the Belt and Road Initiative will bring more opportunities to the country.
"The Netherlands is willing to actively participate in the cooperation process. The Netherlands is willing to attend the first China International Import Expo and hopes to work with China to strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs," he added.
The Dutch King is on a two-day working visit to China at the invitation of President Xi.