"The Nordic Centre is a good example of co-operation between China and the Nordic countries but also an excellent example of co-operation between the Nordic countries," said Jan Vapaavuori, who is Finland's Minister for Nordic Co-operation.

Fudan University, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, co-operates today with 26 universities around the Nordic region.

Martin Bech, Programme Manager at the Nordic Centre, called for enhanced co-operation at the meeting, using amongst other things, the latest publication ”The Nordic Welfare State” as a starting point.

He said that the Nordic countries should take the initiative to develop a research centre on the Nordic welfare model at Fudan University. He also called for a flexible training programme in which Nordic and Chinese students would be able to study at Fudan University for a year and then at various Nordic universities throughout the Nordic region.

Palle Christiansen, Greenland's Minister for Nordic Co-operation, welcomed the initiative to develop co-operation between the countries.

Amongst other things, he gave examples of how the University of Greenland, which he would like to see become globalised, is now developing disciplines at the university within the fields of energy and climate change that may lead to the development of collaboration with China.

The meeting took place at the World Expo in Shanghai, where the Nordic countries are organizing a number of activities during the year.

Afterwards, the ministers also met with Nordic students at the Nordic Lighthouse where the popular New Nordic Landscape exhibition is running.

On Friday the Nordic-Chinese Energy and Climate Day will be held in Shanghai.

Further information on the Nordic Centre.