Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to the country, his first stop on a European tour that will also take him to France, Germany and Belgium. And the president will be attending the third Nuclear Security Summit at the Hague on March 24-25.

Xi is the first Chinese President to visit the Netherlands since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972.

The Chinese President is travelling with his wife Peng Liyuan... they were welcomed by Dutch King, Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima.

In a meeting soon after their arrival, the Xi spoke highly of China-Netherlands relations. He said he hopes the visit will help strengthen mutual trust, promote practical cooperation and deepen their friendship.

Statistics show the Netherlands has been China's second biggest EU trading partner for 11 years. China has been the Netherlands' second biggest trading partner for four years.

The Dutch King said he hopes both countries can strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which he says will be greatly helped by President Xi's visit.

The Dutch King, Queen and former Queen Beatrix later hosted a welcoming state banquet for President Xi and the Chinese First Lady.

During his stay in the Netherlands, Xi is expected to meet parliamentary leaders, and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

On Monday, President Xi will attend the global nuclear security summit in The Hague. He'll later visit France, Germany and Belgium. His schedule includes a visit to the headquarters of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris, on Thursday. He's also due to visit the EU headquarters in Brussels.

(CNTV.cn, Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2014)