Mutual understanding is the foundation of Sino-Danish cooperation

Danish Minister for Culture Marianne Jelved. [Photo/China Today]

China and Denmark have maintained high-level contacts in 2014. In April, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark paid her second visit to China as the head of state. In September, Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt visited China along with Danish Climate and Energy Minister Rasmus Helveg Petersen and Environment Minister Kirsten Brosbøl. October saw a visit from the Minister for Culture, Marianne Jelved, who launched the Danish Cultural Season in Beijing on the theme "Little Fairy Tale, Big Future".

The frequent interactions between senior leaders of the two countries have been essential in promoting Sino-Danish relations. The two governments are paying great attention to and displaying positive intentions for the development of friendship between China and Denmark. Continued communication will advance their comprehensive strategic partnership, which has already produced results, and promote further bilateral cooperation.

In an interview with China Today, Danish Minister for Culture Marianne Jelved gave her insights into cultural exchanges between China and Denmark.

Q: When Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt visited China in September, she indicated that Sino-Danish relations have reached a zenith. What has impressed you most about Sino-Danish cultural exchanges in recent years?

Marianne Jelved: "Little Fairy Tale, Big Future" – the Danish Cultural Season – is the biggest artistic and cultural exhibition that Denmark has ever held in China. The Cultural Season itself is a most important and meaningful occasion. It involves more than 60 cultural events, all established on the foundation of strong cooperation and constant communication between the two countries. The Season heralds a new stage of cultural communication. And the construction of two cultural centers – a Danish one in Beijing and a Chinese one in Copenhagen – gives permanence to the cultural communication drive.

Q: What are your hopes for these two cultural centers in promoting cultural communication?

Marianne Jelved: I think the construction of the Danish Cultural Center in Beijing is remarkable. I know young people in Denmark are curious about China and Chinese culture, and would like to have the opportunity to communicate with the youth of China. I hope the center will become a place where young people from China and Denmark can meet and get to know one another's cultures. Likewise, we are looking forward to welcoming young people from China to the Chinese Cultural Center in Copenhagen for more Sino-Danish communication.