Hu's visit to open new chapter for China-Denmark ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Denmark will open a new chapter in the ties between the two nations, an official said Monday.

"It will be the first visit by a Chinese president to Denmark in 62 years, that is since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries," Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Song Tao said at a news briefing prior to Hu's visit to Denmark. The Chinese president, invited by Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, is scheduled to pay a state visit to Denmark from June 14-16.

During his Denmark trip, Hu will meet with Queen Margrethe II and hold talks with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, according to the Chinese deputy foreign minister.

The two sides will also sign agreements on mutual investment, tariffs, energy, environment protection, agriculture, education and culture, Song said.

As an important part of high-level interactions, the visit is expected to improve the bilateral political ties featuring mutual respect, equality and mutual trust, and blueprint the further development of the relationship, said the Chinese official.

The cultural and people-to-people exchanges will also be boosted with Hu's visit, he added.

As Denmark is holding the presidency of the European Union (EU) in the first half of this year, Hu will also exchange his views "in an in-depth way" with Danish leaders on the current international economic situation and the ongoing European crisis, according to Song.

Denmark "is playing an important role in (addressing) EU affairs and promoting the integration of Europe," Song said.

"We hope the Danish side will continue playing an active part in advancing the enduring and stable relationship between China and Europe," Song said, adding that he believes Hu's visit will be a great success.