China and the Netherlands have agreed to work more closely on expanding their trade and cultural ties under a partnership grounded on pragmatism, openness and mutual trust.

President Xi Jinping and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a joint statement after their meeting in the Hague on Sunday, in which they both agreed to give importance to agriculture, and all aspects that will improve it, in their joint ventures.

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They said they will give priority to dairy production, flood control, and technological research.

Earlier China inked a US$125 million deal with France, another EU-member country, for the establishment of a Chinese-owned and operated dairy farm that will supply China's huge demand for milk.

President Xi hoped that the Netherlands will likewise boost its dairy trade with China.

The two leaders were meeting on the sidelines of an international nuclear summit being held in the Netherlands this week.

China invited the Netherlands to participate in Shanghai's free trade zone development as well as in its efforts to modernize agriculture.

President Xi also invited the Dutch government to join China as it embarks on a sustainable growth direction that supports the development of clean-energy sources.

China has just begun restructuring its energy industry to clean the environment of the many dangerous emissions from coal power plants and is looking at boosting investment in alternative energy sources.

Prime Minister Rutte, for his part, said the Netherlands will expand its investment in China, and help with scientific research and environmental protection initiatives.

The Dutch government is opening a consulate office in Chongqing city to enhance cooperation between that part of China and the Netherlands, the Prime Minister said.

China also called on the Netherlands to actively push for the China-EU investment agreement that has been in the works for some time.

The Chinese president likewise expressed hope that the Dutch government would help in the development of a China-Europe free trade zone.