Senior official tables plan for stronger China-Denmark ties

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan wrapped up a visit to Denmark on Thursday, calling for stronger China-Denmark ties through trust building and pragmatic cooperation.

"The relationship between China and Denmark is at its best time in history," Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said at a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt on Wednesday, noting Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China.

Next year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Liu said both countries should seize the opportunity to jointly promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He put forward a four-point proposal, urging the two countries to enhance political trust, trade and investment cooperation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and coordination in multilateral forums to ensure world peace and stability.

"The two countries should intensify high-level visits and political dialogue," Liu said. "It is hoped that Denmark will continue to respect and accommodate China's core interests and major concerns."

As to economic cooperation, Liu highlighted sustainable agriculture and clean energy as two priority areas, where Denmark had rich experience to share with China.

Thorning-Schmidt said the Danish government attached great importance to its friendly relations with China and their cooperation in all areas.

"We are very satisfied with the current status of our bilateral relations, and we hope to deepen our cooperation," she said.

While meeting with Danish Minister for Economic and Interior Affairs Margrethe Vestager, Liu urged the two countries to tap the full potential of their economic collaboration.

"The two countries should expand cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, agriculture, innovation, medical service, food safety and environmental protection," he said, adding economic ties between China and Denmark had become increasingly closer since they established diplomatic relations 64 years ago.

China is now Denmark's largest trade partner in Asia and the second biggest destination for Danish investors, with two-way investments becoming a new growth point for China-Denmark economic cooperation.

Liu also highlighted the role of Denmark in the relations between China and the whole European Union (EU).

"Denmark is an important member of the EU and an important partner of China. China hopes that Denmark will continue to support China-EU cooperation in various areas and play an active role in promoting China-EU relations," he said.

Vestager said, although Denmark and China had differences, both countries faced common challenges in their economic and social development, so they should strengthen the exchange of experience.

Hailing China as an important partner of Denmark, Vestager called for joint efforts and concrete measures to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, culture and environmental protection.

Separately, Liu met Danish Parliament Speaker Mogens Lykketoft.

Lykketoft, a frequent traveler to China, said China's development offered vast opportunities to Danish companies.

"I have been to China 15 times since 1978 and witnessed the tremendous changes in China, which are marvelous," he said.

Praising Lykketoft as an old friend of the Chinese people, Liu said China appreciated Lykketoft's contribution to the development of China-Denmark ties.

"Our bilateral relations have been developing steadily," Liu said. "China attaches great importance to its relations with Denmark, and would like to work with the Danish side to achieve further development of our bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results."

Lykketoft said he would continue to support the exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments and political parties of the two countries, and help deepen mutual understanding.

During his three-day stay in Denmark, Liu also attended the opening of a Chinese culture center in downtown Copenhagen.

Liu is on a four-nation Europe tour, which will also take him to Finland, Ireland and Portugal.