China is ready to deepen relations with the Netherlands on the basis of equality, mutual benefits and mutual respect, Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in Beijing Wednesday. 

During a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Bernard Rudolf Bot, Zeng said the relations between China and the Netherlands maintained a good momentum.

Zeng called trade and economic links between the two countries an example of cooperation between China and Europe, saying that their cooperation in science, technology, education, environment protection and justice has seen remarkable progress over the past few years.

He hoped the two countries would strengthen cooperation and consultations on regional and international issues. 

Zeng expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its adherence to one-China policy and its support to China on issues of China's concern. 

Bot reiterated that the Netherlands would continue to stick to the one-China policy.

The Netherlands is ready to further promote cooperation with China in trade, economy, science, technology, health and environmental protection, Bot said.

Bot expressed the belief that the two countries could deepen mutual understanding and political trust by stepping up exchanges between high-level officials.

Bot is in Beijing for an official visit to China from April 9 to 14 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2005)