Chinese, Dutch FMs hold talks on cooperation

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Tuesday held talks with visiting Dutch counterpart Uri Rosenthal on bilateral cooperation. The Chinese government attaches importance to developing relations with the Netherlands, Yang said, noting that bilateral ties have made a lot of progress since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1972. China is ready to work with the Netherlands to enhance mutual understanding, expand cooperation, deepen cultural exchanges and strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, according to Yang. Rosenthal, who is on his first official China visit since taking office, said the Netherlands is willing to further cooperate with China in various fields on a basis of mutual respect and equality. He reaffirmed that the Dutch government adheres to the one-China policy and respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a press release provided by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.