国内英语新闻:Sino-Danish bilateral ties enjoy great potential

COPENHAGEN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao will kick off a state visit to Denmark Thursday, as the Sino-Danish bilateral relationship has embarked on a track of mature, sound and steady growth in recent years.

President Hu's visit from June 14-16 marks the first time that a Chinese president has visited Denmark.

The trip will further consolidate and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Denmark, bring Sino-Danish bilateral links to a new, higher level, and prove another milestone in the history of bilateral relations.

It will also have significance for China-Europe relations, as Denmark holds the presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2012.

Denmark and China enjoy dynamic cooperation in many areas including politics, economy, science and technology, culture and education, where they have achieved remarkable success.

The Sino-Danish relationship has a long history. Denmark was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with China over 62 years ago.

In 2008, Denmark became the first Nordic country to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, there has been an accelerating development of bilateral relations, helped by clear foresight and political wisdom of national leaders from both sides. ` It is also clear that Chinese and Danish leaders lay great emphasis on development of bilateral relations.

In recent years, leaders from both nations have been in frequent contact under bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Communications and coordination have been enhanced in important international and regional issues of common interest, with the two countries now increasingly sharing common strategic interests.