Wu
Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC), arrived in Oslo Wednesday to start the
final leg of his four-nation tour. Wu said that he hoped the visit
would strengthen understanding and trust between Norway and China,
and promote cooperation and exchange.
Wu will meet Joergen Kosmo, president of the Norwegian
Parliament, Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, King Harald V and Prime
Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik. He is also scheduled to give a
speech at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.
Before leaving for Oslo, Wu met separately with the Denmark's
Queen Margrethe II and Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen in
Copenhagen.
On Tuesday, Wu told Danish Parliament President Christian
Mejdahl that the two countries should utilize dialogue and enhanced
communication to handle their differences.
According to an NPC Standing Committee spokesman, Wu said it was
natural that China and Denmark, varying in their histories,
cultures, social systems and ideologies, should differ on certain
issues. It is important that they enhance understanding in dialogue
and handle their differences with care, said Wu.
In 1998, Denmark -- together with other European Union members
-- made it clear that it would give up confronting China over human
rights disputes and turn to dialogue.
Parliamentary exchanges obviously play a part in tackling such
differences. Wu promised that the NPC would further promote
across-the-board contacts with Denmark.
In 1950, Denmark was one of the first Western countries to
recognize the newly established People's Republic of China.
Reaffirming China's commitment to developing its ties with
Denmark, Wu said the two countries do not have fundamental
conflicts and share a common interest in maintaining peace and
development in the world. Wu expressed appreciation for Denmark's
adherence to the one-China policy, saying it is the political basis
for strengthening links.
A better Sino-Danish relationship is conducive to the
development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between
China and the EU, Wu added.
Mejdahl said that Denmark has followed China's economic
development closely and considers building better ties with China
very important.
Wu, noting the complementary nature of the two economies, saw
strong prospects for increased cooperation.
Trade between China and Denmark has climbed from nearly US$300
million in 1992 to about US$2.5 billion last year.
While China mainly exports garments, plastic products, shoes,
medicine, toys and suitcases, Denmark provides China with such
items as food processing equipment, chemical fertilizer and
power-generation facilities.
(China Daily June 3, 2004)