BEIJING: China attaches importance to its relations with Norway and is willing to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation with Norway, visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said in Oslo on Friday.
Qin made the remarks when meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. He said that China appreciates that the Norwegian government adheres to the one-China policy, treats China with a pragmatic and rational attitude, and promotes the development of bilateral relations with the principle of mutual respect and equal treatment.
China’s economy is recovering at an accelerated pace, which will bring unprecedented opportunities to all countries in the world, including Norway, Qin said.
China and Norway should strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, ocean, social welfare and green transformation, expand cooperation both in depth and breadth, and push bilateral relations to a new level, Qin said. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two sides could make early preparations and plan for related celebration events, Qin added.
Store said that Norway and China, different in size and national conditions, have a long history of exchanges and have maintained dialogue and communication.
Norway attaches importance to cooperation with China and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China to work for greater development of cooperation, especially in the fields of green transformation, climate change, medicine and Arctic affairs, Store added. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. During the visit, Qin also met with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Norwegian Parliament, and held talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt. China and Norway on Friday signed a new version of the bilateral agreement for the avoidance of double taxation.
China appreciates Norway’s firm adherence to the one-China policy and appreciates that the two countries respect and accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, Qin said when jointly meeting the press with the Norwegian foreign minister.
The essence of the Taiwan question is a fight against secession, Qin said, adding that China expects the Taiwan Straits to remain peaceful and stable, and to achieve peaceful reunification of China. It is the “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces and some countries’ connivance and support for the “Taiwan independence” that have been undermining the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits, Qin said, stressing the unwavering determination of the Chinese government and people to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
