BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Sunday with Prime Minister of Netherlands Jan Peter Balkenende who attended the Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony.

    Wen hailed the frequent exchanges and deepened mutual trust between China and Netherlands, saying that bilateral cooperation on agriculture, science and technology and water conservancy has brought about substantial benefits for both sides.

    Netherlands has been the second-largest trade partner of China in the European Union for five consecutive years.

    "We are ready to make joint efforts with Netherlands to make more achievements in the development of China-Netherlands friendly and cooperative ties," said Wen.

    He praised Netherlands as a country of developed economy and sports and wished the athletes of Netherlands would achieve the best at the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Balkenende said he was glad to attend the Olympic Games, adding he hoped to discuss various issues with Wen.

    He said China was an important and reliable partner of cooperation of Netherlands, and his country hoped to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to jointly respond to global challenges and resolve major regional issues.