Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen will be attending the closing ceremony of the World Expo in Shanghai on Sunday, the Danish Foreign Ministry informed Xinhua on Friday.

This is Espersen's first visit to mainland China. In an email to Xinhua, Lene Espersen states that she is looking forward to visit the Shanghai Expo.

"The dynamics of Shanghai and China are legendary and with Expo 2010, China has succeeded once again in drawing the world's attention and admiration," said Espersen in her email.

"I look forward very much to seeing Expo 2010, where I will visit the various pavilions, including of course the Chinese pavilion. For Danish companies Expo 2010 has been an excellent opportunity to show China the high standard and good design that represents Denmark," she added.

At her visit to China, Espersen will also be meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

"I also look very much forward to meeting with my Chinese colleague, foreign minister Yang Jiechi, Sunday in Shanghai. Especially since this year is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Denmark and China," said Espersen.

In order to strengthen Sino-Danish relations, the Copenhagen municipality decided to send the Danish national icon, the Little Mermaid, to the Shanghai World Expo.

"As a symbol of our warm feelings towards China and its people, we send the Little Mermaid, our national icon, to her first overseas trip. I am very happy to hear that many Chinese people has used this opportunity to see her and that she's been taken care of in Shanghai," said Espersen.