On October 27, local time, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Maxime Verhagen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation of the Netherlands, in the Hague.

Jia said that bilateral relations have been developing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Currently, the relations have maintained sound momentum of development with increasing mutual political trust, fruitful cooperation in various fields and close communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. Noting that China and the Netherlands would celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, Jia urged both sides to take this opportunity to push the ties to a new level.

Jia raised the following proposals on the development of bilateral ties. First, both sides should maintain exchanges at all levels and deepen political mutual trust. Second, the two countries should tap their potential in uplifting bilateral trade to a higher level. The two countries should continue to boost collaboration in agriculture, water conservancy, as well as in energy saving, environment protection and other emerging sectors and create new highlights of cooperation. Third, both sides should also strengthen cultural and personnel exchanges so as to enhance understanding between the two peoples and make the friendship deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples, he said. Fourth, the two countries should improve coordination in multilateral affairs, oppose and resist various forms of protectionism, and make concerted efforts in promoting world economy's recovery and growth, Jia said.

For his part, Verhagen said he believed that China is an important strategic partner of the Netherlands. Both sides uphold mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, he said, expressing belief that Jia's visit will help enhance friendship between the two countries and their strong economic ties and advance common interests of both sides. In the current context of the international financial crisis, the Netherlands is willing to work with China to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with an attitude of staying in the same boat to overcome difficulties, expand mutual investment and jointly oppose protectionism, The Netherlands is ready to join hands with China to help chart a course out of the current crisis to achieve steady economic growth, said Verhagen.

After the meeting, Jia and Verhagen attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents concerning aviation, telecommunications and finance.

Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Committee of the CPPCC Qian Yunlu, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Zhang Jun and other officials attended the above activities.