It is a pleasure to come to the beautiful Kingdom of the Netherlands for an official goodwill visit at the invitation of President of the First Chamber of the States-General G. J. de Graaf and President of the Second Chamber of the States-General G. A. Verbeet. I have brought with me the Chinese people’s cordial greetings and best wishes to the Dutch people.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Netherlands 40 years ago, the political foundation of the bilateral relations has been strengthened, our economic and trade cooperation has got ahead in China-EU cooperation, and our scientific, technological, cultural and people-to-people exchanges have been fruitful. The relationship between China and the Netherlands is as strong as ever, bringing tangible benefits to our two countries and peoples and making positive contribution to China-EU relations. Practice shows that as long as countries respect each other, treat each other as equals, pursue mutually-beneficial cooperation and seek common development, they can rise above differences in social system, history, tradition and development stage and promote healthy and steady development of state-to-state relations.

During my visit, I will exchange views in depth with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, President G. J. de Graaf, President G. A. Verbeet and other Dutch leaders on deepening bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest, and have extensive contact with people from various sectors. I am convinced that this visit will further increase political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and forge closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, and enable greater progress in the bilateral relations from a new starting point.