On September 25, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji, on an official visit to Denmark, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Zhu congratulated Denmark on successfully hosting the fourth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) again. He said that China-Denmark relations are good at present. High-level visits between leaders and government departments of the two countries have forcefully promoted the all-round development of bilateral relations. Bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment and finance are fruitful. Despite the fact that the two-way trade volume is not big, economic and trade cooperation are progressing smoothly with big potential to tap. China-Denmark exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, culture and education are expanding. The two countries have maintained good cooperation in international affairs.

Zhu said that with the cooperation between China and Denmark deepening, the economic complementarity and great cooperation potential between China and Denmark are more obvious. In order to promote the further development of bilateral relations, China suggest that the two countries continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation at all levels and continuously expand the areas for economic cooperation and trade. China welcomes Danish participation in China's development of its western regions, and will further strenthen China-Denmark exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, toursim and social security fields.

Zhu pointed out that due to differences in social systems, historical and cultural backgrounds, and levels of economic development, China and Denmark are different in some aspects and have different views on some issues. The two sides should treat bilateral relations with a long-term view and properly handle their differences in line with the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences.

Rasmussen said that Denmark and China have a long history of friendly cooperation. At present bilateral relations are at their historical best. High-level exchange of visits is frequent, with positive progress in political dialogue and steady expansion of cooperation in economic, trade, investment and cultural fields. It is hoped that Denmark and China can enhance cooperation in environmental cooperation, sea shipping and tourism. He said that Danish businesses are showing increasing interest in investing in China, and about 10 Danish enterprises go to invest in China each year. Meanwhile, Denmark welcomes Chinese investment, particularly in biotechnology and telecommunications.

After the talks, Zhu and Rasmussen attended a joint press conference and took questions from Chinese and foreign correspondents.