China boosts ties with EU, Netherlands

cctv.com 12-08-2004 08:56

Premier Wen Jiabao has expressed China's readiness to consolidate the basis and expand the scope of cooperation with the European Union and the Netherlands. He made the remark Tuesday on his arrival in the Hague to attend the annual China-EU summit, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership. Wen is also to pay an official visit to the Netherlands, which now holds the EU presidency.

In a statement delivered at the airport, Premier Wen Jiabao praised China-EU relations as being on a track of mature and stable growth, since the two sides agreed to forge a comprehensive and strategic partnership last year.

Meanwhile, the premier said China and the Netherlands have witnessed increasing exchanges and fruitful cooperation in such areas as politics, trade, science and technology, agriculture, and education.

Premier Wen noted that China attaches great importance to its ties with the EU and the Netherlands, and he is looking forward an in-depth exchange of views with his hosts on promoting fresh progress in cooperation as well as on major international issues of common interest.

The Chinese premier expressed his confidence that his visit will achieve fruitful results. During his visit to the Netherlands, Wen is expected to witness the signing of several agreements between the two countries. They cover cooperation in science and technology, customs and other areas.

Editor:Hu  Source:CCTV.com