The Netherlands is a "trustworthy partner" of China and a "stable and prosperous" China is in the interest of the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende told Xinhua in a written interview Tuesday.

The Netherlands sees "strategic importance" in its relations with China and looks to enhance cooperation with it in both economic and political fields, Balkenende said on the eve of a seven-day visit to the Asian nation.

During the visit, his third to China since taking office in 2002, Balkenende will meet Chinese leaders and attend the Asia-Europe Meeting summit in Beijing, scheduled for later this week.

Relations between China and the Netherlands have increasingly intensified since the establishment of diplomatic ties 36 years ago, Balkenende said.

The Netherlands is now China's second largest trading partner in Europe and the government and private sectors of both nations work closely together in important areas like agriculture and science and technology, he noted.

Commenting on the impact of China's growth on the Netherlands, Balkenende said his country, as a trading nation, has benefited in many respects from China's booming economy.

"The Netherlands certainly does not regard China as a threat," he said.

"Many Chinese products pass through Rotterdam, one of the biggest ports of Europe, thereby creating employment. Moreover, imports from China keep our inflation low," the prime minister said.

"We want a stable, prosperous, sustainable and responsible China. That is the key to our numerous areas of cooperation," he stressed.

Balkenende sees great potential for bilateral cooperation in many areas, particularly in agriculture, energy and environment.

"International food markets are changing. With more people to feed, this poses challenges for China. Our agricultural technology, for example in green genetics, can be beneficial to Chinese farmers," he said.

On energy and environment, the Netherlands can offer technologies to reduce pollution and the two countries can work on cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, Balkenende said.

The Netherlands welcomes Chinese investors, he added. He mentioned Haier, Hisense and Huawei as good examples of Chinese enterprises that have increasingly found added value by opening branches in the Netherlands, seen by many as a gateway to Europe.

Balkenende is also pleased with the partnership between Dutch and Chinese cities, such as the sisterly relations between Rotterdam and Shanghai, established nearly 30 years ago.

"Many Dutch and Chinese governors and mayors visit each other every year. They are often accompanied by business delegations. Through these people-to-people contacts the Dutch and Chinese people can better understand each other," he said.

"The Netherlands is a trustworthy partner of China. My visit underlines the strategic importance of our relationship," said Balkenende.

Recalling his two previous trips to China, in 2004 and in August of this year, the Dutch prime minister said, "The Chinese people can be proud of what they have achieved in recent years. Through its economic growth, China has changed considerably."

He congratulated the Chinese people on "the excellent organization" of the Beijing Olympics.

"I thoroughly enjoyed attending the spectacular opening ceremony and I was impressed by the achievements of Chinese athletes," he said.

Referring to China's role on the world stage, Balkenende said China should be an active player in finding solutions to global problems, such as climate change and the current financial crisis.

"China's economy is now one of the biggest in the world. This means that China has to be part of the solution, it must be an active and responsible player."

"China's impact on peace and stability can be seen in the Korean peninsula, where it is the driving force of the six-party talks. That is why the Netherlands and the EU attach great importance to close cooperation with China in global affairs," Balkenende said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2008)