On September 18 and 19, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Vereniging Nederland-China (VNC) co-hosted China Netherlands Friendship Cities Conference in Hague. The theme of the conference is Wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits: The All-Round Local Cooperation between The Netherlands and China in the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. About 300 representatives from local government, institutes and enterprises of both sides attended the conference.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between The Netherlands and China, 40th anniversary of VNC and 10th anniversary of the Province of Zuid-Holland and Hebei. On such occasion, the conference gained great support from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten (VNG), Zuid-Holland, Hague Municipal Government and Chinese Embassy. 

King’s Commissioner in Zuid-Holland, Governor Jaap Smit delivered a welcome speech. Vice President Song Jingwu of CPAFFC, Secretary General Ms. Yoka Brandt of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Wu Ken from Chinese Embassy and Madame Wuyunqimuge, Former Vice Chairwoman of standing committee of NPC delivered opening speeches.

The local authorities from both sides joined the interactive panels to discuss the past, present and future of government cooperation, and new measures to promote new provincial and municipal relation as well as a new foundation for local cultural and economic cooperation.

The conference approached topics on sustainable urbanization, agriculture and food safety, going global, life science and health, education and cultural differences with six parallel sessions.

President Hank Cool of VNC and Vice President Song Jingwu delivered closing speeches, followed by a banquet in Hague museum.

The second day fell on Prince Day celebration parade, King and Queen of Netherlands with a royal procession moved from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal in Hague, and delivered speech to all citizens. Invited to join the celebration, the attendances of conferences afterwards visited Dutch enterprises.

By far there are 29 pairs of friendly cities between China the Netherlands.