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Qin Gang Meets with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt

2023-05-12 23:09

On May 12, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt in Oslo.

Noting the sound momentum of development in China-Norway relations, Qin Gang said that China is ready to work with Norway to enhance personnel exchanges, tap into cooperation potential, foster highlights of green development, and strengthen multilateral cooperation. He stressed that China will continue to pursue high-standard opening up, provide a sound investment environment for enterprises from all countries, and support efforts to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two sides. Noting the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Norway next year, Qin said that the two sides should take this opportunity to promote new progress in bilateral relations in the new era, and make bilateral cooperation richer and more fruitful. In the face of the changes and turmoil in the international situation, China has always regarded Norway and Europe as cooperative partners. China and Europe should jointly oppose and resist ideological antagonism and bloc confrontation, and inject more stability, certainty, and positive energy into world peace and development.

Huitfeldt said that Norway values dialogue and cooperation with China, stays committed to the one-China policy, and looks forward to more exchanges with China at all levels in the post-pandemic era. Norway appreciates China's role in biodiversity and stands ready to engage in constructive cooperation with China in green transition and other areas. Noting that Norway and China are both beneficiaries of international free trade, Huitfeldt said that Norway does not support "decoupling or severing supply chains", and that the Norwegian business community looks forward to deepening trade and economic cooperation with China and promoting trade facilitation. As  Norway and China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, the two sides can take stock of the achievements made and plan for future development of bilateral relations.

Qin Gang also elaborated on China's principled position on the Taiwan question, and issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Xizang, and human rights, among others, stressing that these issues bear on China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. He stressed that China calls for dialogue and communication based on equality and mutual respect, to enhance understanding, build up trust and dispel misgivings, but China firmly rejects foreign interference.

The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues. Qin Gang briefed Huitfeldt on China's principled stance on the Ukraine crisis and the work it has done, stressing that China always stands on the side of peace and has been promoting talks for peace since day one of the crisis, demonstrating its role as a responsible major country. Noting the fact that the conflict occurs in Europe, Qin Gang said that Europe should play a leading role in exploring a way out and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe through dialogue and negotiations.

The two foreign ministers witnessed the signing of a new version of the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

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