Press release

AFR EU-China Summit

24.09.02

On 24 September 2002, the fifth Summit between the EU and China will be held in Copenhagen. Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has invited Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji to discuss developments in China and the EU, current foreign policy issues and economic relations.

On the occasions of the Summit, the Prime Minister states:

“The good relationship between the EU and China is steadily progressing. However, we have a well-developed dialogue on many subjects and at different levels. Relations have matured to a point where the political dialogue on international topics of mutual interest has come to play a key role. At the same time, it is constructive that we are able to discuss issues on which the EU and China do not see eye to eye. This applies, among other things, to an issue such as human rights.

At the Summit we shall discuss, among other things, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the fight against illegal migration. We shall also touch on a number of regional conflicts, including the Middle East, India-Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Korean Peninsular. Naturally, we shall also discuss trade and investment.

It is expected that the Summit will include the following specific results: the completion of negotiations on a shipping agreement and the initiation of negotiations on an agreement to promote tourism, which will contain, among other things, elements contributing to the fight against illegal migration.”

A joint declaration will be released after the Summit

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The Summit will take place at 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Eigtveds Pakhus.

There will be a joint press conference at 6:30 PM at Eigtveds Pakhus, Room III, where also Commission President Romano Prodi will participate.

Accreditation is required as for the ASEM Summit, please see www.asem4.dk.

Furthermore, there will be photo opportunities in connection with: - Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s reception of Prime Minister Zhu Rongji at 4.25 PM at the entrance of Eigtveds Pakhus, - Family photo at approximately 4.30 PM on the quay, weather permitting (otherwise in Room III), - The opening of the Summit at approximately 4.35 PM in Room II.

Contact information Head of Section Jesper Fersløv Andersen, phone: +45 33 92 22 35/ +45 40 80 36 88.