BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang has congratulated Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on his party’s recent election victory and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to boosting bilateral ties and supporting European integration. In a congratulatory message sent on March 19, Premier Li said China values the choice of the Dutch people, and will continue to support the process of European integration and the European Union’s efforts to achieve unity, stability and prosperity across the continent.

On Sino-Dutch relations, the Premier said the bilateral relationship now enjoys a sound momentum and Beijing attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the Netherlands.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, which have now established a comprehensive cooperative partnership that is open and practical, Premier Li said China stands ready to work with the Dutch side to seize the opportunity and bring the partnership to higher levels.

Dutch voters went to the polls last week in a closely watched parliamentary election that was widely regarded as a barometer of the influence of populism and nationalism across Europe.

Preliminary results showed that the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, which is led by Rutte, came out on top, beating the far-right Party for Freedom of controversial politician Geert Wilders.