Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were in Beijing last week on a one day visit, where they fitted in various activities including a visit to the 798 Art Zone. The young royal couple also graced the launch of Danish dairy company Arla's brand in China, with a reception and cooking demonstration at the Danish embassy. Among the dishes were a stir-fry with blue cheese and a cheese-stuffed wanton. Arla is most familiar to Chinese consumers as the joint-venture partner of Chinese dairy brand Mengniu.

The royal couple earlier took part in a gala dinner organized by the Danish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and gave their support to many local Danish companies in Hong Kong and Beijing. Prince Frederik, an avid sportsman, also played a few rounds of badminton with the former Danish world-class badminton player Peter Gade.

EU Ambassador Markus Ederer hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Europe this year.

"This prize not only recognizes the ideas and the dedication of some brilliant thinkers and political leaders, but also the unceasing efforts of generations of Europeans from 27 countries, soon to be 28, who have overcome the deadly rivalries which have torn our continent apart in past centuries. It is therefore truly a prize for 500 million European citizens," he said.

Ederer also saluted the "many European businesses, teachers, students, and all the friends and partners of the EU in China who contribute to the successful implementation of our policies and projects in China".

Seven European ambassadors visited Yunnan province earlier this month, for a tour hosted by Liu Haixing, director-general of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of European Affairs, and Yang Xian, deputy director of the Poverty-alleviation Office. Ambassadors Friis Arne Petersen of Denmark, Sylvie Bermann of France, Michael Schaefer of Germany, Carlo Krieger of Luxembourg, Patrick Nijs of Belgium, Doru Costea of Romania and Jacques de Watteville of Switzerland participated in the trip, which included stops in the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture. The delegation visited Huangtupo village, chatted with local people, and attended a class at the Nationalities High School of Malipo county. At a seminar held for the delegation, local officials presented the issues involved in reforming the economic and social situation in some of China's poorest areas.

Five British fusion-energy experts visited China last week to enhance collaboration with their Chinese counterparts on fusion-energy decommissioning, waste disposal and energy education, the UK embassy in Beijing reported. The delegation traveled to Beijing, Hefei and Chengdu. Exchange programs in fusion education at the master's and PhD level are likely to be introduced between UK and Chinese fusion energy institutes.

"The purpose of our trip to China is to work as a team with international fusion experts to make sure the success of fusion energy happens sooner," said Steven Cowley, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Cyprus' ambassador to China Ioanna Malliotis hosted a lunch on Thursday at Beijing's Assaggi Italian Restaurant to celebrate the completion of her country's term in the rotating EU presidency.

Send embassy news to michaelpeters@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/14/2012 page31)