Norway’s ties with China ‘on track’
Print Edition
CHINA and Norway yesterday issued a statement on restoring normal ties that stated: “The Norwegian side is fully conscious of the position and concerns of the Chinese side and has worked actively to bring bilateral relations back on track.”
Relations soured after the Oslo-based Nobel Committee conferred the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize on convicted Chinese criminal Liu Xiaobo. Liu was sentenced to 11 years in jail on December 25, 2009, after a court in Beijing found him guilty of engaging in activities designed to overthrow the government.
“Through numerous, meticulous conversations, the two sides have reached a level of trust that allows for resumption of normal relations,” said the statement.
The Norwegian government will not support any action that undermines China’s core interests and major concerns and will do its best to avoid any future damage to China-Norway relations, the statement said.
It said the Norwegian government reiterates its commitment to the “One China” policy, fully respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and attaches high importance to China’s core interests and major concerns.
Both sides agreed to boost cooperation in various areas including trade, culture, education and the polar region, and cement consultation on global issues.
In a meeting with visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende yesterday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the two countries’ foreign ministers had candid and in-depth talks, and had reached an agreement on the normalization of bilateral ties.
China hopes to work together with Norway to open a new chapter in bilateral ties, and push forward a sustained, healthy and stable relationship, Li said, adding that China appreciates the new Norwegian government’s adherence to the “One China” policy and its wish to improve and develop ties with China.
The two economies are highly compatible, Li said, and China is ready to negotiate with Norway on a free trade agreement, to send out a clear signal of trade and investment liberalization.
Brende said restoring normal ties is of historic significance, and sent a positive message to the international community.
Norway adheres to the “One China” policy and respects China’s core interests and major concerns, which are the political foundation for ties, he said.
Li told Brende the history of China-Norway relations shows mutual respect, equality and taking care of respective core interests and major concerns, serve as the precondition and foundation for strengthening political trust and developing ties.
Norway hopes to take the opportunity of normalizing ties with China to enhance high-level exchanges, boost bilateral FTA negotiations and expand cooperation in such areas as investment, hydropower, and offshore oil and gas exploitation, Brende said.
Earlier in the day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had held talks with Brende.
Wang said the Norwegian side had reflected on what damaged mutual trust and consulted seriously with the Chinese side on improving ties.
The two sides had reached consensus on learning from the past and resuming trust, which met the fundamental interests of Norway and the Norwegian people, complied with the UN Charter and set China-Norway ties on the correct path, he said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
