On October 20, 2011, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Prime Minister of Denmark Helle Toning–Schmidt in Copenhagen.
Yang first congratulated Toning-Schmidt on her election as Prime Minister of Denmark, and conveyed to her the greetings and congratulations from Premier Wen Jiabao. He said that China-Denmark cooperation enjoys a sound growth momentum and the Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the new government of Denmark to strengthen bilateral high-level exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, maintain the continuity of bilateral friendly cooperative relations and continuously enrich the connotations of bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples. In the next five years, China will focus on implementing the 12th Five-Year Plan and accelerating the transformation of economic growth pattern. Denmark is working to develop the green economy and promote sustainable growth. Mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation between both sides is facing new opportunities. Both sides can strengthen cooperation on clean energy, energy saving, environmental protection, modern agriculture, culture, education, tourism and other fields. The two sides should adhere to the principle of mutual respect and equality from a strategic height and long-term perspective, properly handle sensitive issues, accommodate each other's concerns, conduct constructive dialogue and promote sustained and healthy development of bilateral relations. Denmark will hold the rotating EU presidency in the first half of next year. China hopes that Denmark will play an active role for greater development of China-EU relations.
Toning-Schmidt praised the extraordinary journey China has traversed in its development and said the new government of Denmark is committed to developing closer, more constructive bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Denmark is willing to further strengthen bilateral high-level visits, trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and communication on international issues and enhance dialogue on the basis of mutual respect. Denmark adheres to the one-China policy and this position is widely recognized by the parliament and other circles. Denmark attaches great importance to its holding the rotating EU presidency next year and would like to take this opportunity to further promote EU-China relations, she added.
The two sides also exchanged views on such issues as the European economic and financial situation and the Group of 20 Summit in Cannes.
On the same day, Yang Jiechi delivered a speech titled "Join Hands to Promote World Peace, Stability and Development" at the Danish Institute of International Studies.