President Hu, Danish PM hold talks on cooperation

COPENHAGEN - Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt here Saturday to discuss furthering the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt in Copenhagen on June 12, 2012, for talks on furthering bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hu told the Danish prime minister that his visit to Denmark, the first by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic ties, was "an embodiment of the high attention we attach to the China-Denmark relations."

He voiced belief his visit would improve the understanding and trust between the two countries and further push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

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Hu also said he is willing to exchange views with Thorning-Schmidt on developing bilateral ties and other major issues.

The Chinese president also passed on greetings to Thorning-Schmidt from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

In addition to bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on the current world economic situation and eurozone debt crisis, according to Chinese officials.

The two leaders would attend a signing ceremony of cooperation documents in the areas of investment, tariffs, energy, environment protection, agriculture, education and culture, the officials said.

Thorning-Schmidt said in a June 6 statement: "I very much look forward to the historic visit of President Hu Jintao."

"China's role and relevance in the development of large parts of the world has grown rapidly in recent years. Both Denmark and China have much to gain by a closer relationship and I look forward to discussing how we can further strengthen the depth and breadth of our strategic partnership," she said.

The Chinese leader started his state visit to Denmark on Thursday.

On Friday, Hu met with Danish Queen Margrethe II.

China and Denmark have expanded fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950. In 2008, the two nations established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Later in the day, Hu will end his visit and travel to Los Cabos, Mexico, for a G20 summit, which will address pressing issues affecting global economic recovery.