State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide in Oslo on 27 August local time.

Wang stressed that having a face-to-face meeting with his Norwegian counterpart while COVID-19 has not ended worldwide demonstrates the two countries’ confidence in defeating the virus. It also signals their desire to resume orderly personnel exchanges and restart mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas as the COVID-19 response becomes the new normal. He underscored the need for the two countries to strengthen solidarity, coordination and cooperation, and play a constructive role in speeding up global economic recovery and addressing global challenges.

Wang made three proposals on furthering China-Norway relations:

First, keep to the prevailing momentum of sound and steady growth of bilateral ties. The two countries should adhere to the principle of mutual respect and equality, truly accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, properly handle relevant sensitive issues and make sure the hard-won improvement in bilateral relations is not disrupted again.

Second, keep to the prevailing principle of mutually beneficial cooperation. The two countries enjoy huge cooperation potential and space. China is ready to work with Norway to complete FTA negotiations as early as possible, discuss the signing of a document on establishing a blue partnership, strengthen cooperation in areas like winter sports, and provide a fair, just, open and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from the other side.

Third, keep to the prevailing theme of multilateralism. As beneficiaries and champions of globalization, multilateralism and free trade, both China and Norway oppose unilateralism and protectionism. The two sides need to earnestly implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and jointly build an open world economy. The Belt and Road Initiative has become the world’s biggest platform for international cooperation. China stands ready to work with Norway to explore ways to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation and promote the connectivity and economic recovery of the Eurasian landmass.

Søreide said that people from all sectors in Norway value cooperation with China and believe that restoring exchanges with China amid the fight against COVID-19 is highly important for Norway. Norway hopes to enhance vaccine R&D and maritime cooperation with China, conclude FTA negotiations at an early date, enhance exchanges and cooperation on winter sports and support China in hosting a successful Winter Olympics in 2022. Norway attaches importance to China’s interests and concerns and is ready to discuss relevant topics with China in a spirit of mutual respect. Norway supports multilateralism and stands for promoting free trade across the world and upholding the international order. Given the growing instability in the world, Norway hopes to engage more in cooperation with China and other members of the international community.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of shared interest.