COPENHAGEN, June 11 -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) called here on Wednesday for expanded economic cooperation between China and Denmark.

"The two countries should expand cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, agriculture, innovation, medical service, food safety and environmental protection," Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said at a meeting with Danish Minister for Economic and Interior Affairs Margrethe Vestager.

Liu said that economic ties between the two countries have become increasingly closer since they established diplomatic relations 64 years ago.

China is now the largest trading partner of Denmark in Asia and the second biggest destination for Danish investors, with two-way investments becoming a new growth point for China-Denmark economic cooperation.

Liu also highlighted the role of Denmark in the overall relations between China and the whole European Union (EU).

"Denmark is an important member of the EU and an important partner of China. China hopes that Denmark would continue to support China-EU cooperation in various areas and play an active role in promoting China-EU relations," he said.

For her part, Vestager said that although Denmark and China have differences, both countries are faced with common challenges in their economic and social development, so they should strengthen exchange of experience.

Hailing China as an important partner of Denmark, Vestager called for joint efforts and concrete measures to deepen their cooperation in such areas as economy, culture and environmental protection.