Danish Foreign Minister, Jeppe Kofod, signed five agreements relating to sustainability with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi yesterday.
It is the first time in over three years that a Danish foreign minister has visited China. Jeppe Kofod had several goals when he went to Hangzhou in the eastern part of the country meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi (pictured).
Firstly, it is part of Denmark’s overall effort to purposefully accelerate the green transition in China, which is the world’s largest carbon emitter. The Chinese government will need to effect great changes to meet its reduction targets. The Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the need for a rapid phasing out of coal, energy cooperation and increased focus on the environment and biodiversity.
Five important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Denmark and China were agreed and signed, promoting cooperation in areas such as climate, environment, water, food and intellectual property rights. Both sides committing to finalising a “Green China-Denmark Joint Work Programme” next year.
The Foreign Minister will meet virtually with the Chinese Minister of the Environment to discuss ambitions and cooperation on the international climate negotiations and China’s hosting of the international negotiations on biodiversity. Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Supply Dan Jørgensen and Minister of the Environment Lea Wermelin will attend these meetings virtually.
“Denmark is contributing to significant reductions around the world, including in China. Our companies sell energy technology and through our extensive cooperation in the climate and energy field with China, Denmark helps to inspire the world’s largest CO2 emitter to go in a positive direction. It will benefit everyone – not least the planet. We will work towards concluding a new green joint work program with China and thereby focus our cooperation on sustainable development and the green transition, ”says Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod.
Another agenda item is export conditions for Danish companies. Record exports to China last year now make the country Denmark’s fifth largest market. This trading relationship could develop further, but Danish and European companies face increased challenges. Agreements on cooperation e.g. regarding the protection of patents and trademarks will contribute to increased cooperation on framework conditions for Danish companies in China.
Sources
Udenrigsminister Jeppe Kofod besøger Kina for at drøfte grøn omstilling og sikkerhedspolitik, Ritzau / Udenrigsministeriet (Danish Foreign Ministry), 2021-11-26
Denmark and China agree to renew Joint Work Programme to accelerate green transition, Udenrigsministeriet (Danish Foreign Ministry), 2021-11-26
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