On October 27, local time, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Fred de Graaf, president of the Senate, and Willibrord van Beok, deputy president of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, in the Hague.

Jia first conveyed the cordial greetings and good wishes from Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. He said that in recent years with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have been developing well with frequent high-level exchanges, strengthened mutual political trust, fruitful trade cooperation and deepening cultural exchanges. China appreciates the Dutch parliament's adherence to the one-China policy and hopes the Dutch side will as always respect China's core interests and major concerns and contribute to the long-term stable development of bilateral relations.

Jia said that next year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and China is ready to work with the Netherlands to continue to maintain exchanges at all levels, deepen practical cooperation and keep closer cultural exchanges so as to push bilateral relations for new and greater development.

Jia said it is an important task of China's CPPCC to strengthen foreign exchanges and increase understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people of other countries. The CPPCC of China is willing to further strengthen friendly exchanges with the Dutch parliament, give full play to their features of broader representation and inclusiveness, strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance and offer advice and suggestions for their respective countries' economic and social development so as to play a positive promoting role in China-Netherlands relations.

Meanwhile, Fred de Graaf and Willibrord van Beok expressed thanks for Chairman Wu's greetings. They said the Dutch parliament attaches great importance to and looks forward to Jia's visit. They believed this visit embodied the sound relationship between China and the Netherlands, and is set to boost China-Netherlands cooperation. The relationship between the two countries is based on friendship, mutual respect and equality. Noting that China has become a major force in the world, they said the Netherlands is ready to work with China to tide over difficulties and challenges including the current eurozone debt crisis.

Both sides also exchanged views on major international and regional issues.

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 meeting.