Reply to Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark
(April 10, 1956)



MAO ZEDONG

Mr. Ambassador:

I am very happy to accept the letter of credence signed by the King of Denmark which you have presented, and I am grateful to Your Excellency for your good wishes.
Since the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Denmark established diplomatic ties with each other in May of 1950, the relations between our two countries have developed along a path of friendship. In February of this year, in order to further develop and consolidate relations, our two countries agreed to elevate the level of our legations to each other to that of embassies. In the last few years, a Chinese people's acrobatic troupe and a Chinese classical opera company have produced performances in Denmark, and a Chinese youth delegation has visited Denmark. Furthermore, a Chinese industrial and agricultural exhibition and a Chinese art exhibition were separately held in Copenhagen. Danish trade union and cultural delegations have visited China. In 1955 a trade delegation of the Danish industrial and commercial circles visited China and conducted negotiations, and as a consequence trade was expanded between the two countries. These friendly exchanges have promoted the economic and cultural interflow between the two countries and have enhanced the understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The strengthening of friendly relations between our two countries is helpful to promoting international peace.
I am confident that with Your Excellency's effort the long-standing relations of friendship between our two countries are bound to develop further, and the economic and cultural exchanges between our two countries are bound to increase further.
Mr. Ambassador, I warmly welcome you as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to the People's Republic of China. In your work of developing the relations of friendship and cooperation between China and Denmark and increasing the economic and cultural ties between the two countries, you will receive the full assistance of the government of the People's Republic of China.
I wish prosperity for your country and people, and good health for your head of state.

--- Notes

At this time Aage Gregerson, who had been minister of the Kingdom of Denmark to the PRC, was installed as ambassador. (See text Dec. 12, 1953.)