Beijing, October 30, 2023 — Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to Beijing on Monday, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between China and Norway. The leaders expressed a mutual commitment to enhancing friendly cooperation and addressing global challenges together.
President Xi conveyed his appreciation and asked Prime Minister Store to extend his warm greetings to King Harald V of Norway. Reflecting on the 70 years of diplomatic ties, Xi highlighted the respect and mutual learning that have characterized the relationship between the two nations, forming a valuable friendship that has stood the test of time.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
“Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation aligns with the aspirations of our peoples and serves the fundamental interests of our countries,” Xi stated. Emphasizing the importance of unity in a rapidly changing world, he added, “It is essential that countries work closely to share both prosperity and challenges.”
Xi noted that the global landscape is undergoing profound changes, presenting tests for the international community. He reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development and modernization, pledging to contribute stability and certainty in a world marked by turbulence. “By deepening reform and progressing Chinese modernization, we aim to create more opportunities for common development globally,” he said.
Expanding Practical Cooperation
Highlighting the complementary nature of the two economies, Xi called for expanded practical cooperation in environmental protection, energy transformation, maritime affairs and shipping, agriculture and fisheries, and electric vehicles. He advocated for increased people-to-people exchanges and stronger cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and winter sports.
Global Challenges and Multilateral Collaboration
Both leaders acknowledged shared concerns over global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and international peace and security. Xi expressed China’s readiness to strengthen communication with Norway within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. “We should practice true multilateralism and work towards an equal, orderly, multipolar world benefiting all,” he remarked, expressing hope that Norway would play a positive role in fostering sound China-Europe relations.
Norway’s Commitment to Cooperation
Prime Minister Store conveyed King Harald V’s cordial greetings and reaffirmed Norway’s respect for China’s sovereignty, firmly adhering to the one-China policy. “We are willing to continue working with China, respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns,” Store said.
He expressed admiration for China’s dynamic development and successful experiences, expressing eagerness to expand cooperation, particularly in green development, climate change, maritime affairs, agriculture and fisheries, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence. “Norway supports free trade and looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation within multilateral frameworks like the G20,” Store added, expressing support for enhanced Europe-China cooperation.
Dialogue on International Issues
The leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international hotspots. President Xi emphasized China’s support for all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis. “We will continue to promote peace talks and play a constructive role in fostering a political settlement,” Xi stated, expressing hope that all parties would work together to create favorable conditions for dialogue.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
