Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Nov 15, 2013. Photos provided to China Daily

During the China-Netherlands Culture and Media Forum, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte granted China Culture Daily an interview in The Hague.

Though he had just come back from the Boao Forum in China, Rutte graciously accepted the interview. He stressed that China and the Netherlands worked together in many fields, including science and culture, and the Dutch government attached great significance to the partnership with China and was hoping for more cooperation.

“In fact, China has been a priority of our cultural policy for some time now. But there are more areas where our intention to broaden and deepen collaboration on culture is evident. We would especially like to forge partnerships between Chinese and Dutch artists and cultural institutions. Another important element in our cooperation is, of course, exhibiting the cultural riches of our two countries. I hope we continue to intensify our current cultural relations,” Rutte said.

Rutte was eager for the upcoming China Cultural Center in the Netherlands. “Last year our two governments discussed options for opening a Chinese cultural centre in the Netherlands. The Chinese and the Dutch already cooperate on so many levels, and a cultural centre would strengthen our relationship even further. For my part, I look forward to welcoming the Chinese cultural center to the Netherlands,” he said.

Lutte also told the newspaper that he was proud to note that the annual increase of Chinese tourists visiting the Netherlands was about 16%, which was the highest growth rate in Europe.

“Dutch people welcome Chinese tourists with open arms. The Netherlands has a lot to offer. Culture, art and museums.Famous historical cities like Amsterdam, Maastricht and Groningen.Architecture and Dutch design. And flowers,like those at the famous Keukenhof. We’re also happy to see that more and more Chinese tourists are discovering cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, Roermond and The Hague, and are experiencing the best the Netherlands has to offer,” he said.