On May 18, 2012, Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged congratulatory messages with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to celebrate the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

In his message, Hu noted that through concerted efforts, China and the Netherlands have increased their mutual understanding and mutual trust since both sides established diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level 40 years ago. Bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, education and culture among others has yielded great achievements, Hu said. The president added that the two nations have also maintained good communication and coordination in global and regional affairs.

China, Hu said, attaches great importance to its relations with the Netherlands. He said China is ready to work with the Nordic country and take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties to advance their exchanges at all levels and expand mutually beneficial cooperation so as to push forward bilateral ties and better serve the interests of the two nations and their peoples.

For her part, Queen Beatrix said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the Netherlands and China have been in close contact on politics, economy, culture, social affairs and a range of other areas. The two countries, the queen said, have conducted constructive cooperation, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral ties. The queen said she hopes the activities marking the 40th anniversary of Chinese-Dutch diplomatic ties could further promote mutual understanding and friendship.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory notes with his Dutch counterpart Uriel Rosenthal on the same day.