Beijing – Chinese President Xi Jinping will make his first trip to Europe since taking office over a year ago. From March 22nd to April 1st, Xi Jinping will pay state visits to the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium, and the headquarters of the European Union.

While he’s in the Netherlands, Xi Jinping will meet King Willem-Alexander and parliamentary leaders, as well as Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He’ll also be attending a Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague. CCTV has spoken to the Chinese ambassador to the Netherlands, Chen Xu, on the significance of the president’s visit.

“I think there are many “first-times”. This is the first time that a Chinese president has visited the Netherlands since the establishment of diplomatic ties. This state visit is Willem-Alexander’s first meeting with a foreign head of state after he took office. The Netherlands is the first stop on President Xi’s visit to Europe. It is also President Xi’s first participation in the Nuclear Security Summit. China and the Netherlands have an unprecedented opportunity to deepen their relationship.

This visit will not only promote further development of China-Netherlands ties, but also China-EU ties. President Xi’s attendance at the Nuclear Security Summit is to promote world peace and security. He is expected to meet Dutch leaders on consolidating and developing bilateral ties. Both sides will also exchange views on cooperation in all aspects,” Chen Xu said. Source: cntv