China, Denmark pledge closer cooperation

President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Denmark's Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt in Beijing, Sept 9, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping met with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt on Tuesday and both pledged to boost bilateral cooperation.

During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi welcomed Thorning-Schmidt to China to attend the 2014 New Leaders Meeting of World Economic Forum, also known as Summer Davos forum.

Denmark was one of the first countries that established diplomatic ties with China, Xi said, adding that the two countries should look at the bilateral relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns, enhance mutual trust and boost practical cooperation to further elevate the bilateral relationship. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950.

As China is moving ahead on a new path of industrialization, IT technology, urbanization and modern agriculture, Denmark can use its expertise and technical advantages to expand the areas of cooperation with China, Xi said, calling on the two sides to increase people-to-people exchange as well to enhance understanding and cement friendship between the two nations.

Recalling his visit to Europe in March, Xi said he and European leaders have agreed to build partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization.

"I'm glad to see that the China-Europe cooperation is pushing ahead in this direction," said the Chinese leader.

Xi said that the cooperation between China and Nordic countries is promising, and that he hopes Denmark will play a leading role in promoting the cooperation.

Thorning-Schmidt said the Denmark-China relationship is better than ever and she hopes her visit will help step up exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

Queen Margrethe II paid a state visit to China in April and a total of ten ministers have visited China this year, which indicates how extensive, close and fruitful the bilateral cooperation is, said Thorning-Schmidt.

The prime minister said that Denmark will continue to take part in China's economic and social development and boost cooperation with China on trade, new energy, water resources, technical innovation, social management and sustainable development.

Hailing their cooperation on the disposal of Syria's chemical weapons, Thorning-Schmidt also said Denmark stands ready to increase coordination with China on global and regional affairs and make contributions to the cooperation between China and the European Union as well as between China and other Nordic countries.