Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing on February 5, 2024. Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Norway, and the relationship between the two countries has become more mature and resilient. China appreciates the Norwegian government’s adherence to the one-China principle and its friendship with China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Eide was the first European foreign minister to visit China in 2024, which demonstrates the importance Norway attaches to China and signifies the continuous progress in bilateral relations. 

Although China and Norway are geographically distant and have different national conditions and systems, both should be forces for stability, forces for peace, and forces for prosperity in the international community. The two sides should adhere to candid communication, promoting practical cooperation, and injecting more certainty, stability, and positive energy into the world, Wang said.

Eide said that Norway firmly adheres to the one-China policy, advocates greater development of bilateral relations through constructive dialogue and jointly building a world that is inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and benefits all. Norway appreciates China’s transformation of its growth model and is willing to work with China to tackle climate change and other global challenges.

Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the recent situation in the Middle East and agreed that it is necessary to immediately achieve a cease-fire in Gaza, allowing to increase in humanitarian assistance. All parties need to work together to prevent the conflict from spreading and call for the immediate release of all detained individuals. 

At the same time, institutions should be allowed to continue their humanitarian work in Gaza, and donor countries are urged not to suspend their support for these institutions. Both sides agree that it is necessary to strengthen support for the Palestinian Authority and must start a political process toward a “two-state solution” to ensure that both the Israeli and Palestinian people can enjoy a peaceful and secure life. 

Both sides expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and agreed to maintain communication. 

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also met with Eide in Beijing on Monday.

China is willing to work with Norway to deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, green development, maritime affairs, and winter sports, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of China-Norway and China-Europe relations, said Liu.

Global Times