China, Netherlands celebrate 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A reception was held in Beijing on Tuesday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Dutch diplomatic relations.

Li Jianping, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said at the reception that relations between China and the Netherlands have maintained sound development momentum since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

"During the past four decades, economic cooperation and mutual political trust have been enhanced. Non-governmental exchanges and local cooperation have scored remarkable achievements," Li said, adding that the two countries should further strengthen bilateral ties and join hands in creating a better future for Sino-Dutch relations.

While addressing the reception, Aart Jacobi, Dutch ambassador to China, said China and the Netherlands share a long history of friendly exchanges and look forward to the continuous development of bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The reception was co-hosted by the CPAFFC and the Dutch Embassy in China. About 100 guests from both countries, including Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng, attended the reception.