Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen in the Hague Tuesday, where the two agreed that the two countries should strengthen relations in political, economic and other areas.

 

During their meeting, both Hui and Verhagen spoke highly of bilateral relations and acknowledged the remarkable results achieved in political, economic, cultural, scientific and other fields during 35 years of bilateral ties.

 

The two sides agreed to build on the past 35 years of successful cooperation and further enhance mutual political trust, strengthen cooperation in various areas and improve exchange and coordination in key international issues, thus bringing the friendly relations to a higher level.

 

During the meeting, Verhagen reiterated the Dutch government's stance of adhering to the one-China policy.

 

Hui arrived in the Hague Sunday afternoon for a three-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and other senior officials, and to witness the signing of several cooperation agreements in agriculture and water management.

 

On Monday, Hui visited the Keukenhof park, famous for its bulb flowers, the Maeslant storm surge barriers at the port of Rotterdam, and the Rijnplant company near Rotterdam, which is a world market leader in greenhouse horticulture.

 

Hui's visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Netherlands. Throughout the year a series of activities have been arranged in both countries to mark the 35 years of diplomatic relations, including art shows, seminars and official visits.

 

The Netherlands is the first leg of Hui's four-nation European tour, which will also take him to Ukraine, Romania and Serbia.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)