On April 12, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen at the Great Hall of the People.
Wen said that although China and Denmark differ in their social systems and national conditions, there is no fundamental conflict of interests between both sides. China-Denmark relationship could keep moving forward as long as the two countries could treat each other in the spirit of mutual respect and equality and address each other's core interests and major concerns, said Wen. Both sides should take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties to jointly implement the important consensus the two countries reached in 2008 on the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership and to push forward friendly cooperation in all areas.
"Although the financial crisis impacted the economy of China and Denmark, the cooperative advantages and potentials remain unchanged," said Wen. "The Chinese government extends its welcome to Danish enterprises to exploit the Chinese market, and also hopes the Danish government will provide more attractive trade and investment environment for Chinese enterprises," said the Chinese Premier. Wen called for joint efforts from both countries to fight against trade protectionism, foster new growth areas of bilateral trade and consolidate the good momentum of economic recovery.
Premier Wen spoke highly of the efforts Denmark had made for the convening of the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen last December. Wen reaffirmed China will strive to meet its greenhouse gas emission cut target because the move is in the interests of China itself and the world. The EU has an important role to play in pushing for climate change talks and developing energy-saving and environment-friendly technologies and it is of strategic significance for China and EU to strengthen cooperation in this aspect. He hoped Denmark will offer positive support and promotion within the EU.
Rasmussen said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have trusted each other and conducted friendly cooperation with close exchanges at all levels and fruitful cooperation in all areas. China’s active response to the global financial crisis and its efforts to promote sustainable development of its own economy are of great significance to the world. He said Danish enterprises are optimistic about China’s development prospects and market environment and his country is willing to further expand two-way trade and investment cooperation with China based on free and open principles. Denmark will take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties to carry out exchange of high-level visits with China and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas like trade, clear energy, bio-pharmaceutical and science and technology research, said Rasmussen. Denmark is also ready to encourage humanities exchanges with China in a bid to push forward bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
Rasmussen expressed his thanks for the critical role China had played in pushing the Copenhagen conference to achieve outcome, and spoke highly of China's positive efforts in energy conservation and emission reduction. Dealing with climate change is the important field of cooperation between Denmark and China as well as between the European Union and China, said Rasmussen, expecting to enhance communication and coordination with China on this issue.
Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya, Vice Chairman Zhu Zhixin of the National Development and Reform Commission and Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Xie Hangsheng attended the talks.
After their talks, Premier Wen and Rasmussen also attended the signing ceremony of the cooperative documents on scientific research, education and other areas.