Chinese president says visit to Netherlands complete success

LISSE, the Netherlands, March 23 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Dutch King Willem-Alexander again here on Sunday, saying that his visit to the Netherlands is successful and he is fully confident of the future of bilateral relations.

After meeting in Amsterdam Saturday, Xi and King Willem-Alexander on Sunday exchanged views on bilateral ties and experiences of governance at the Keukenhof Castle.

Xi said he was impressed by the emphasis of the Dutch royal family and government on developing relations with China, the Dutch people's profound friendship with the Chinese, and the two sides' strong willingness to strengthen cooperation.

"We have announced to establish an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation, which will give a new defining feature of the bilateral relationship," said Xi, noting the two sides have signed a series of cooperation documents.

"The visit is a complete success. Looking ahead, I am fully confident of the China-Netherland relations," the Chinese leader noted.

King Willem-Alexander said Xi's visit is of historic significance as it is the first state visit made by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972.

Xi is also the first head of state that has paid a state visit to the Netherlands since Willem-Alexander was sworn in as the Dutch king last year.

The Netherlands has been China's second biggest trading partner for 11 years in the European Union (EU), and also the third largest source of foreign direct investment in Europe.

The king said he believes the fruitful visit will give a strong boost to the friendly cooperation between China and the Netherlands.

During the meeting, President Xi briefed King Willem-Alexander on China's national situation, path and idea of development, and the ongoing comprehensive reform.

The two heads of state agreed that both countries should deepen mutual understanding and exchanges, share opportunities, and work together to address challenges as partners in pursuit of common development.

Before the meeting, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, accompanied by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, visited a tulip exhibition at Keukenhof.

Xi arrived in the Netherlands Saturday for a state visit and the third Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in the Hague slated for March 24-25. His European tour will also take him to France, Germany and Belgium.