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Continuing her European tour in the Netherlands today (the Netherlands time, June 21), the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, left Amsterdam for the Hague for a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jozias van Aartsen.

This was followed by a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs, Mrs Annemarie Jorritsma-Lebbink.

At both discussions, the Chief Secretary for Administration noted the excellent bilateral relationship between Hong Kong and the Netherlands, and the opportunities for Dutch businessmen in Hong Kong, particularly in the light of Mainland China's imminent accession to the WTO.

She also thanked the Dutch government for their support for Hong Kong's request for visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders and encouraged more bilateral visits to further strengthen ties between the two places.

Mrs Chan then proceeded to the Dutch parliament for a meeting with the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs, two working committees formed by members of the parliament.

The President of the Senate and Chairman of the Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion, Mr Frits Korthals Altes, hosted a lunch for Mrs Chan.

In the afternoon, the Chief Secretary for Administration departed for Brussels where she will have a meeting with the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. In the evening Mrs Chan will attend a dinner hosted by the European Parliament-Hong Kong Friendship Group.

On Thursday (Brussels time, June 22)Mrs Chan will attend a breakfast meeting with the Chairman and CEO of Fortis Bank in Brussels. She will call on European Commission officials, including President Prodi and Commissioner Patten. She will also address Belgian businessmen during a lunch hosted by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, the Belgian-Chinese Economic and Commercial Council and the Royal Institute for International Relations.

Photo 1: The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, meeting the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs, Mrs Annemarie Jorritsma-Lebbink.

Photo 2: The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, having a meeting with the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Jozias van Aartsen (second right), and other government officials in The Hague.

End/Wednesday, June 21, 2000

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