国内英语新闻:China, Netherlands poised to strengthen bilateral relations: senior legislators

THE HAGUE, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Relations between China and the Netherlands have shown strong development momentum and the successful exchange of visits between the two heads of state have opened new prospects for bilateral relations, a visiting senior Chinese legislator has said.

At the invitation of the Dutch parliament, Ji Bingxuan, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, led a delegation to the Netherlands on Nov. 13-17.

During the visit, he met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime Minister Wouter Koolmees, President of the House of Representatives Khadija Arib, Senate First Deputy President Jopie Nooren, respectively.

Ji also held talks with Pia Dijkstra, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.

Ji said China is willing to work with the Netherlands to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further enhance political mutual trust, and tap the potential of pragmatic cooperation in various fields, the senior legislator said.

China would like to joint hands with the Netherlands on building the Belt and Road, strengthen coordination in international affairs, and deepen exchanges between the legislative bodies of both sides, as well as cultural exchanges between the two peoples, so as to promote bilateral relations to a new high, Ji added.

Noting that the bilateral relationship is developing soundly, the Dutch side said that the Netherlands attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to further strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various areas.

The Netherlands hopes to enhance exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two sides, strengthen communication and coordination on major issues such as tackling climate change, and continuously improve bilateral relations, according to the Dutch side.