Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Monday held talks with his Netherlands counterpart Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

During the talks, both sides exchanges ideas on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.

Li said that currently China and the Netherlands are maintaining a favorable development trend in bilateral relations, with their mutual understanding and trust increasing due to frequent high-level visits.

Li said that, as the Netherlands is an influential European Union member state, the Chinese government values relations with it, and is willing to further promote the long-term stability in China-Netherlands and China-Europe relations.

Scheffer said that the bilateral ties between the Netherlands and China in the fields of politics and economy are progressing smoothly. China is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and, as such, is playing an important role in international affairs.

Scheffer noted that the Netherlands is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to strengthen friendly cooperative relations in various fields with China.

Scheffer started his China visit on Aug. 24 as Li's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2003)