China, Netherlands vow to further promote ties

China and Netherlands on Monday vowed to further promote relations and enhance cooperation in trade, tourism, culture and modern agriculture.

The pledge came out of a meeting between top political advisor Jia Qinglin and Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal, who is visiting China from Oct. 8 to 9.

Bilateral relations have witnessed significant development since their establishment 40 years ago and are facing new opportunities in the future, said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body.

He said China is ready to further enhance political mutual trust with the Netherlands, take each other's core interests and major concerns into consideration, expand comprehensive trade relations and conduct closer cooperation in tourism, education and culture.

Jia said the two sides should prioritize the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges and push China-Netherlands relations to a new high.

Rosenthal said the establishment of relations 40 years ago laid an important foundation for their development today.

He reaffirmed Netherlands' adherence to the one-China policy and respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The minister also called on the two countries to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, logistics and modern agriculture so as to promote bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the current situation in Europe and overall China-Europe relations.

Jia said strengthening the comprehensive strategic relationship between China and Europe is important for world peace and the stable growth of the global economy.

He said China and Europe should make joint efforts to promote the sound and stable development of their relations.

Rosenthal, who is on his first official China visit since taking office, was invited by his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.