Premier Li Keqiang arrived in the Netherlands on Oct 14 for an official visit, the first by a Chinese premier in 14 years.

This followed Premier Li’s attendance at the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe, and his official visit to Tajikistan between Oct 11 to 13.

During a briefing by China’s Foreign Ministry on Oct 9, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao pointed out that the Chinese side expects to strengthen strategic communication with the Netherlands and inject fresh impetus into the bilateral ties.

China-Netherlands relations are currently enjoying robust development momentum with a new wave of bilateral high-level exchanges taking place, practical cooperation being constantly deepened, joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative being steadily advanced and both people-to-people and cultural exchanges being intensified, according to Wang.

It was also revealed that Premier Li Keqiang will make in-depth exchanges of views with the leaders of the Dutch side regarding China-Netherlands relations, China-EU relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Both sides will sign a series of cooperation agreements covering fields such as customs, aviation, energy and finance, Wang said. After the Netherlands, the Premier is expected to travel to Belgium for an official working visit to the country and attend the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit there.