国内英语新闻:Chinese, Danish senior officials stress importance of bilateral ties

COPENHAGEN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Lene Espersen met here Friday with visiting Vice Chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee Hua Jianmin.

Espersen congratulated China on its successful opening of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. She said Denmark has fully supported the expo by sending its national treasure Little Mermaid.

"I hope the Chinese audience will learn more about the Danish culture and the economic and social development of Denmark," Espersen said.

The minister praised the Chinese people's hard working and entrepreneurial spirit, and lauded the miracle of China's economic development.

Espersen said China and Denmark are important trading partners, not least due to the fact that there are more than 400 Danish enterprises investing in China.

"Denmark greatly appreciates that China recently sent a trade and investment mission to visit Denmark, and Denmark more than welcomes Chinese corporations to invest in Denmark," Espersen said.

Hua, for his part, said bilateral relations have matured over the past 60 years. He said the two sides have sought a common ground on the basis of friendly cooperation.

Hua noted that the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2008 has offered new opportunity for further development of the Sino-Danish relationship.

He also mentioned the increased cultural exchanges between China and Denmark, citing the establishment of a Confucius Institute in Denmark.