President BAI Chunli, distinguished guests

It is a pleasure to return to China for this special occasion – the inauguration of the House of the Danish Industry Foundation.

In April 2014 my mother Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark attended the ground-breaking ceremony.

Today three and a half years later we are ready to inaugurate this remarkable building and celebrate a historic milestone for education and research cooperation between Denmark and China.

This is a clear indication of the Sino-Danish relations that are now stronger than ever. As such, it falls in line beautifully with the recently agreed Joint Work Programme of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Denmark.

Since 1986 I have had the privilege of visiting this great nation numerous times. Feeling warmly welcomed as always I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Chinese hosts for making us feel at home.

Friendship and collaboration is flourishing at all levels of society and within numerous sectors of business and industry.

The inauguration of the House of the Danish Industry Foundation today is a celebration of the strong ties and friendship between our nations.

This building brings Denmark and China closer together culturally, socially and academically. 

It compromises a unique facility for Chinese and Danish students, enabling them to broaden their knowledge and pursue academic excellence.

It will be a center stage for cultural and academic exchanges as students come together for classes, student projects and leisure time.

The House of the Danish Industry Foundation and the Sino-Danish Center will cultivate the values of ‘Excellence, Respect and Friendship’.

As an avid sportsman and member of the International Olympic Committee I know and cherish these values - as they are also the core values of the Olympic Movement. May they thrive and flourish here at the House of the Danish Industry Foundation  

Having studied abroad I personally acknowledge the invaluable experience of attending a foreign international academy. It broadens your mind and cultural understanding. It strengthens your academic foundation.

At the Sino-Danish Center in the House of the Danish Industry Foundation the best minds in Denmark and China will get together. Personally I look forward to meeting them on the great wall for a memorable run later today (– we will see if they excel in body as well as in mind) 

This is a great day for China and Denmark – a great day for friendship and academic excellence.

Congratulations.