On March 23 local time, President Xi Jinping held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Hague. The two state leaders exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations and China-Europe relations, and reached important consensus in this regard. The two sides issued a joint statement, stating to build China-Netherlands comprehensive cooperative partnership of openness and pragmatism.

Xi Jinping said, the Netherlands is one of the first Western countries that recognized the People's Republic of China. With an early start, broad areas and solid foundation, the cooperation between the two countries keeps making new progresses. The Netherlands is also the gateway for China to carry out cooperation with Europe. Prime Minister Rutte paid his visit to China last November, during which we held in-depth talks and reached consensus in many fields. Both sides attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations and share strong urge to strengthen cooperation. China is ready to cooperate with the Netherlands to build China-Netherlands comprehensive cooperative partnership of openness and pragmatism, and to uplift the level of bilateral cooperation so as to make greater contributions to the development of China-Europe relations.

Xi Jinping proposed that, first, both sides should maintain high-level exchanges and mutual respect, deepen mutual trust and respect each other's core interests and major concerns. Second, both sides should attach more importance to the fundamental role of agriculture and water conservation in bilateral cooperation, with focus on strengthening the cooperation in the fields of dairy industry, breeding, flood control, personnel training, food safety and technology research and development. China welcomes the Netherlands to expand dairy exports to China. Third, both sides should strengthen connectivity and promote the free flow of goods, personnel and technology between the two sides. China welcomes the Netherlands to participate in the construction of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. Both sides should make efforts to encourage personnel exchanges, expand exchanges of students and researchers, and enhance tourism cooperation. China has decided to establish a Chinese Cultural Center in the Netherlands. Fourth, China welcomes the Netherlands to participate in the process of China's new-type industrialization, urbanization, informatization and agricultural modernization, and expand cooperation with China in the fields of energy efficiency, environmental protection, new energy, sustainable urban development and financial services, serving as an example for China-Europe cooperation. Fifth, both sides should stick to openness to each other and free trade, and work together for anti-protectionism. China expects that the Netherlands provide more convenience for Chinese enterprises to invest in the Netherlands. Hope the Netherlands will play a positive role in the EU to push for an early conclusion of the negotiations on China-EU investment agreement, an early launching of a joint feasibility study for China-EU free trade zone, and a proper solution to China-EU trade friction on wireless communication products.

Rutte said that Netherlands-China relations have witnessed sound development. The two countries are important cooperative partners for each other, enjoying mutually complementary economy and culture and broad range of mutually beneficial cooperation. President Xi Jinping's visit this time has brought the bilateral relations to a new high. It will further deepen the cooperation between the two countries. The Netherlands is willing to maintain close contact with China, to expand bilateral trade and two-way investment, and to enhance cooperation in the fields of scientific research, food safety, social security, environmental protection and service industry. The Netherlands is to open a consulate-general soon in Chongqing. It is believed to be a further promotion of the Netherlands' exchanges and cooperation with the central and western areas of China. China's suggestion for promoting EU-China trade and investment serves the common interests of the two sides. The Netherlands advocates free trade, and will continue to work within the EU to push forward EU-China cooperation.

Rutte expressed his sympathy over the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. Xi Jinping said, the multinational search work is underway, and the efforts have been intensified. We won't give up as long as there is any glimpse of hope.

The two sides also exchanged views on nuclear security. They expressed the willingness of working with all other parties concerned to ensure the success of the third Nuclear Security Summit and to continue and promote the international cooperation.

The state leaders of both countries witnessed the signing of the documents on cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, economy, trade and culture.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present.