Chinese, Danish Prime Ministers Hold Talks in Beijing

Premier Zhu Rongji Presides Ceremony to Welcome Danish PM

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji today urged an early conclusion of a Sino-EU agreement on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

During his talks May 8 with visiting Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Zhu said that negotiations concerning China's WTO entry have entered the final stage, and that Trade Commissioner of the European Commission Pascal Lamy has decided to come to China on May 15 for a new round of talks.

"We hope to finish all the negotiations and relevant procedures as soon as possible, and we would not like to see that the European Union (EU) will be the last to reach an agreement with China in this regard," Zhu said.

Rasmussen said that Denmark firmly supports China's entry into the WTO at an early date, and would like to continue its efforts within the EU to promote an agreement with China.

Zhu said that relations between China and the EU and its members have shown good development momentum in recent years, and the two sides have become important partners in trade and economic cooperation, with two-way trade reaching 55.7 billion U.S. dollars last year.

China attaches great importance to relations with the EU and its members, and is willing to promote a constructive Sino-EU partnership on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and seeking common ground while reserving differences, he said.

On Sino-Danish relations, Zhu said that Denmark was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the new-born China five decades ago, and the Chinese people and government speak highly of that.

Sino-Danish relations have in general developed smoothly and in a stable manner, based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit over half a century, thanks to the efforts of both sides, he said, adding that bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas has progressed remarkably in recent years.

High-level exchanges of visits have exhibited good momentum, thus playing an important role in promoting mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation, Zhu said, noting that bilateral economic and trade ties have developed rapidly in recent years, and areas of cooperation has been expanded.

Zhu noted that two-way trade exceeded one billion U.S. dollars last year, and said that the two countries have also had financial cooperation, along with fruitful cooperation in the areas of science and technology, culture, education, and transportation.

"We are pleased and satisfied with the good development momentum of bilateral relations in all areas," Zhu said. He said the two sides have shared interests in safeguarding world peace and seeking common development, and their economies are also highly complementary, thus demonstrating enormous potential.

The Chinese government places great emphasis on Denmark's important position and role in Europe and the European Union, and attaches great importance to developing a long-standing relationship, Zhu said, adding that China is willing to work with Denmark to push Sino-Danish relations to a new high.

China is ready to have more high-level contacts with Denmark, and strengthen consultation and cooperation in all areas, including international organizations, and further expand areas of economic and trade cooperation, including high-tech and small and medium-sized enterprises, Zhu said.

The two sides can also discuss ways to promote cooperation and exchange in culture, education, tourism, and social security, he added.

Rasmussen, who visited China twenty years ago, said that he saw for himself the great changes taking place in the country, and expressed his admiration for the achievements scored by the Chinese people.

He said Denmark places great importance on developing relations with China, and was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China and establish diplomatic relations with it five decades ago, and the development of bilateral relations has been satisfactory since then.

He said he is leading a strong business delegation to China this time, aimed at expanding Sino-Danish friendship and cooperation, adding that Denmark hopes to further cooperation with China, especially in the areas of environmental protection, people- to-people exchanges, and high-tech industries.

Zhu also briefed his Danish counterpart on China's stance on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights, and he expressed his appreciation for the Danish government's consistent adherence to the one China policy.

He said he hopes the Danish government will respect China's stance on these issues, which is conducive to the smooth development of bilateral relations.

Rasmussen said that his government will continue to pursue the one China policy on Taiwan, and properly handle the relevant issues of human rights and Tibet.

Prior to the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of Rasmussen.