COPENHAGEN, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Despite the already close ties between Denmark and China, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen believes there are still broad prospects for furthering bilateral cooperation.

At a recent joint interview with Chinese media ahead of the 2018 Chinese New Year, Rasmussen hailed the sound growth of the two countries' relations, saying that the Joint Work Program 2017-2020 signed during his visit to China last year was a crucial step forward as Denmark is now among the European countries that have the strongest connections with China.

"Even though we have a very close cooperation, I think there is room to improve this cooperation in many different areas," said the prime minister, who pointed out three specific areas where the two countries can further explore cooperation, such as fighting against global climate change, the Belt and Road Initiative and trade.

"The climate agenda is something we have in common and I am very satisfied with the strong Chinese leadership in this area. We need that and I think Denmark has great competitiveness in this area," Rasmussen said.

Talking about the Belt and Road Initiative, Rasmussen said the initiative is "something very very special and has a huge potential" and Denmark can assist China with Danish competences and skills.

The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes,

Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the year of 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership.

In terms of bilateral trade, China has remained Denmark's largest trading partner in Asia for many years and the trade volume has increased remarkably to about 11 billion U.S. dollars at present.

China and Denmark agreed on a joint program on giant panda research during Queen Margrethe II's state visit to China in 2014, and the agreement was signed during the prime minister's visit to China in May last year.

According to the agreement, male panda He Xing and female panda Mao Sun in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding are expected to arrive in Denmark and live in the Copenhagen Zoo soon.

Rasmussen praised the efforts China had contributed to preserve the giant panda, adding that the Danish people look forward to 2018 as "a year of the Giant Panda."

"The giant pandas are a symbol of the close friendship between China and Denmark ... I am very pleased that China will give the Danish people the possibility to meet these cute animals."

Meanwhile, Rasmussen sent his Chinese New Year greetings to China and to the Chinese people on the start of the Chinese Lunar Year of Dog, and invited more Chinese tourists to visit Denmark.

"Soon you will not only be able to visit the Little Mermaid in Denmark, but also the two giant pandas. We all look forward to welcoming you in Denmark," he said.