President Xi calls for greater growth of China-Netherlands ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 28, 2015. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Saturday China is ready to work with the Netherlands for even greater growth of bilateral links.[Special coverage]

Xi made the remark as he met with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is here to attend the Boao Forum for Asia in south China's Hainan province.

During his visit to the Netherlands last year, Xi and Rutte decided to set up the China-Netherlands comprehensive cooperative partnership that is open and practical.

Xi emphasized that both countries should insist on mutual respect and equality by respecting each other's core interests and major concern so as to secure sustainable, healthy and stable growth of their links.

Xi said the two countries should innovate the way of cooperation by expanding and deepening cooperation in the areas of farm produces, dairy industry, pollution control and clean energy. He expressed the wish that the Netherlands will expand exports of hi-tech products and technology to China.

Xi said the two sides should exchange visit by high-caliber art groups, continue exchanges between their museums and art galleries and increase cultural exchanges.

Rutte said President Xi's visit to the Netherlands last year was a big success and greatly promoted bilateral political and economic exchanges. He said King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are expecting to pay a state visit to China.

Rutte said the Netherlands has decided to apply for an initial membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and will immediately communicate with China on this issue.

Prior to his trip to Boao, Rutte led a delegation of Netherlands business figures to Shanghai in east China and Shenzhen in the south. He said they achieved highly satisfactory results during the visit and expect to launch businesses in China.

Rutte expressed the hope that there would be a greater amount of Dutch farm produce entering the China market. He appreciated China's effort to govern the country by law and lift quality of economic growth. He expressed the belief that China's effort will provide a better environment for bilateral cooperation.

Rutte said the Netherlands will strengthen cultural exchanges with China, including Chinese language teaching. He welcomes more Chinese tourists to his country.