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)