Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, arrived in Copenhagen on Monday for an official good-will visit aimed at promoting bilateral ties.

Wu said in a statement upon his arrival that China and Denmark, though far apart, had a long history of friendly contacts.

China, he said, attached importance to its relationship with Denmark and hoped to expand bilateral contacts and cooperation in various fields on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

He said he would meet with his Danish counterpart Christian Mejdahl and government leaders to exchange views with them on bilateral ties and on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Wu voiced hope that his visit would promote understanding, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Wu arrived from Bulgaria, the second leg of his four-nation European tour that would also take him to Norway after Denmark. He visited Russia before coming to Bulgaria.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2004)