Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp in Beijing on Thursday.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that President Xi Jinping has held multiple meetings with King Willem-Alexander and other Dutch leaders, providing strategic guidance for the development of China-Netherlands relations.
As two major global economies, China and the Netherlands boast an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation, Ding said, adding that China stands ready to continue the momentum of friendly exchanges with the Netherlands, address each other's legitimate concerns, strengthen practical cooperation in key areas, uphold the multilateral trading system and international economic and trade order, and safeguard the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
He expressed the hope that the Netherlands will continue to play a constructive role and make greater contributions to the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.
Veldkamp said that the current international situation is full of challenges, making it essential for the Netherlands and China to enhance dialog and cooperation. The Dutch side regards China as an important partner and is willing to strengthen comprehensive exchanges and cooperation with China, work together to address various challenges, and uphold free trade, he said.
Chinese vice premier meets with Dutch FM
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
