Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen envisaged closer Danish-China ties and better bilateral cooperation in 2008 in his message to the Chinese people on the Chinese New Year, according to news reaching Stockholm on Tuesday.

Rasmussen conveyed his "warmest greetings" to all Chinese residing in Denmark as well as all other Chinese people, wishing the new year will bring them "happiness and luck".

The traditional Chinese New Year, a very important occasion for the Chinese, falls on February 7. According to lunar calendar, the year of 2008 is the Year of Rat.

Noting that the friendly relations between the two countries were further consolidated in 2007, Rasmussen said he is confident that good bilateral ties and fruitful cooperation will be further strengthened in the Year of Rat which symbolizes wisdom, fortune and curiosity.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2008)