VERBALNOTE TIL DE KINESISKE MYNDIGHEDER OM DET DANSK-KINESISKE FORHOLD

http://www.ft.dk/samling/20091/almdel/upn/bilag/24/772818/index.htm

The Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing presents its compliment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and has the honor to refer to the following.

Denmark attaches great importance to the considerable progress of the bilateral relations and the fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950. Last year in October Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which aims at further strengthening the bilateral relations between Denmark and China.

Bilateral relations have since 1950 been steadily enhanced with greater political mutual trust and respect and expanded economic cooperation and trade that have benefited both parties.

Denmark has a long-standing tradition for friendship with China. Denmark was amongst the first countries in the World to recognize the People’s Republic of China and various Danish governments have always supported the one China policy. Danes and Danish companies have come to China in great numbers, in particular since the Policy of Reform and Opening Up was initiated in 1978. Today close cooperation takes place in the areas of investments, commerce, environment, education, research, tourism, culture etc.

The importance of China in Danish foreign policy is also reflected in the significant Danish diplomatic presence in the larger political and commercial hubs in China. Denmark is represented with an embassy in Beijing, three Consulates General (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hongkong) and a Consulate in Chongqing. The latter was opened in 2005 in light of the Chinese Go-West Policy and the commercial opportunities stemming from this initiative. Also in 2005 the Danish Cultural Institute in Beijing was officially opened and in 2007 Denmark opened an Innovation Center in Shanghai in order to cooperate with leading Chinese universities and companies in the fields of scientific and commercial innovation projects.

Members of the Danish Royal family and Government are frequent guests in China. Last year His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik, accredited as acting Head of State, witnessed the historic opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing together with members of the Danish Government. Other high level visits includes our Prime Minister and other members of his cabinet as visits by His Royal Highness the Prince Consort and other members of the Royal family. Next year Denmark looks forward to participating in EXPO 2010 in Shanghai with a National Pavilion centered around the statue of The Little Mermaid. 

Denmark attaches great importance to its friendly ties with China and intends to develop the relationship on the basis of mutual respect, taking into account the fundamental interests of the two countries. Denmark has a strategic, long term vision for its relationship with China and intends to strengthen continuously the bilateral relations in different areas in order to ensure a harmonious and stable Danish-Chinese relationship.

Denmark is fully aware of the importance and sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and attaches great importance to the view of the Chinese government on these issues. Denmark takes very seriously the Chinese opposition to meetings between members of the Danish Government and the Dalai Lama, and has duly noted Chinese views that such meetings are against the core interest of China, and will handle such issue prudently.  In this regard, Denmark reaffirms its One-China Policy and its unchanged position that Tibet is an integral part of China. Denmark recognizes China’s sovereignty over Tibet and accordingly opposes the independence of Tibet.

Next year in May we look forward to celebrating the 60 year anniversary of the diplomatic connections between Denmark and the PRC. Denmark hopes to cooperate with China in order to ensure high-level exchanges before, during and after the celebration. Denmark would like to use this opportunity to renew its invitation to President Hu Jintao to come to Denmark as the official guest of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. EXPO 2010 in Shanghai will also be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the long-lasting and multifaceted friendship between our two countries.

The Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China the assurances of its highest consideration.