A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of sports between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the years 2002-2004 has been signed on May 5, 2002.

　　This MoU is the third one between the two countries. The first and second MoU were signed in Beijing, China on September 11, 1995 and Rijswijk, the Netherlands on October 13, 1997.

　　Mr. Zhu zushou, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Mrs. Margo Vliegenthart, State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport  signed the Memorandum on behalf of the State Sport General Administration of People’s Repulic of China and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Kingdom of the Netherland respectively. Each delivered a speech at the ceremony.

　　Ambassdor Zhu pointed out in his speech that this MoU would be of especially great significance, “it will not only play an important role in the areas of elite sports, sport for all and anti-doping policies in both countries, but will also bring potential chances of cooperation and exchange in many other aspects during China’s preparation for Olympic Games in 2008”. Mrs. Margo Vliegenthart also expressed that she “believed the Olympic Games in Beijing will be success for both our countries, and that this success will due in part to our co-operation in the field of sports.

　　Robert de Vries, director of the Sports Department from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, Frits Brink, board member of the Netherlands Olympic Committee and representatives from the relevant Dutch  sports’ association were present at the ceremony.