Leaders of China, Denmark exchange congratulations on anniversary of diplomatic ties

President Xi Jinping welcomes Queen Margrethe II of Denmark outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in April, 2014. WU ZHIYI / China Daily

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on Monday exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between their countries.

Xi noted that Denmark was among the first Western countries to forge diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

Bilateral relations, full of vigor, have been constantly enhanced over the past 65 years and remarkable achievements have been scored in pragmatic cooperation in various areas, Xi said.

China attaches great importance to the development of its friendly relations with Denmark, said Xi, who expressed the belief that greater progress will be made with joint efforts.

In her message, Queen Margrethe II extended sincere congratulations to the Chinese people on the occasion of the anniversary.

She wished bilateral relationship could maintain its strong growth momentum, and voiced the belief that all-round cooperation between the two nations will be further deepened.

Also on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt exchanged congratulations for the anniversary.

Li said that the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Denmark diplomatic ties can be seen as a new starting point, and that China is willing to work with Denmark to promote cooperation and exchanges in various fields, enrich the content of bilateral ties and steer their comprehensive strategic partnership toward new progress.

Thorning-Schmidt said Denmark-China relations, which have witnessed long-term sound growth, are moving toward a higher level this year.

The prime minister expressed the belief that, with concerted efforts, the Denmark-China comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to deepen, bringing benefits to the two countries.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Danish counterpart, Martin Lidegaard, also exchanged greetings on Monday.