COPENHAGEN, May 11 -- The Chinese Embassy in Denmark hosted a reception here Monday to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Liu Biwei said Denmark took the lead in the Western countries in establishing diplomatic relations with new China, opening a new chapter in Sino-Danish bilateral relations.

In 2014, Sino-Danish trade volume hit a record high by exceeding 10 billion U.S. dollars, over 3,500 times higher than when the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1950, the ambassador said.

He noted that the growth of Sino-Danish relations over the past 65 years indicated that "on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, to constantly deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Denmark conforms to the fundamental interests of our two peoples."

Some 200 guests attended the reception.

Denmark's Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard said the friendship between Denmark and China had deep historical roots, adding that Denmark was not only one of the very first Western countries to recognize new China, but also the only country in the world that had enjoyed an uninterrupted diplomatic presence in China since 1908.

"Establishment of our comprehensive strategic partnership in 2008 brought our relations to a new level...We will continue to push our relationship forward and work together to enhance our comprehensive strategic partnership," said the minister.