China News Service, Beijing, February 5th. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide in Beijing on the 5th.
Wang Yi said that you are the first foreign minister of a European country to visit China in 2024, which shows that Norway attaches great importance to China and that relations between the two countries maintain a momentum of forward development. Norway is a European country with unique influence and one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway. After 70 years of development, China-Norway relations have become more mature and resilient, maintaining strong endogenous momentum. China appreciates the Norwegian government's objective, rational and friendly view of China's development, its adherence to the one-China principle, and its persistence in being friendly to China.
Wang Yi said that the world is currently entering a new period of turmoil and change, and the global political, economic and security situation is full of uncertainties. Human society is at a critical crossroads. China believes that the general direction of people of all countries pursuing peace and development will not change, the general logic of human civilization's continuous advancement will not change, and the general trend of the international community having a shared future will not change. Although China and Norway are far apart, with different national conditions and systems, they should both be forces of stability, peace, and prosperity in the international community. They should adhere to candid communication, promote cooperation in a pragmatic manner, handle differences in a prudent manner, and follow the general direction, logic, and The general trend is moving forward, and together we will inject more certainty, stability, and positive energy into the world.
Wang Yi stressed that to promote greater development of China-Norway relations in the next stage, we must first adhere to the correct way of getting along, respect the choices of our respective peoples, and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns; we must persist in deepening pragmatic cooperation and treat each other with a development perspective and an enterprising attitude. The two countries cooperate in various fields; they should strengthen multilateral collaboration, advocate multilateralism, adhere to openness and inclusiveness, and jointly promote world peace and prosperity.
Eide said that after 70 years of development, China-Norway relations have entered a mature stage. Norway firmly adheres to the one-China policy, advocates mutual respect, promotes greater development of bilateral relations through constructive dialogue, and jointly builds a world of universal benefit, inclusiveness, peace and prosperity. I clearly remember President Xi Jinping saying at the World Economic Forum in Davos that if China wants to develop its economy, it must dare to swim in the ocean of the world market. Norway also firmly supports free trade, adheres to open cooperation, and is committed to safeguarding WTO rules. Norway appreciates China's transformation of its development model. The two sides have broad space for cooperation in green transformation and other fields, and are willing to work with China to jointly address global challenges such as climate change. China's great achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable and have made important contributions to global poverty reduction.
The two sides agreed to successfully organize a series of celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and intensify high-level exchanges between the two countries; continue to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, explore the establishment of a bilateral green transformation cooperation dialogue, and promote the facilitation of personnel exchanges; jointly advocate multilateralism and free trade, and discuss issues related to Strengthen collaboration on common challenges such as climate change and biodiversity protection.
The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the recent situation in the Middle East. They agreed on the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and allow for a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance. All parties need to work together to prevent the conflict from spilling over, and called for the immediate release of all detained persons. Both sides welcomed the investigation by the United Nations and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. At the same time, the agency should be allowed to continue its important humanitarian work in Gaza and the region, and donor countries are urged not to suspend support for the agency. Both sides believe that it is necessary to strengthen support for the Palestinian National Authority and to start a political process leading to a "two-state solution" so that both the Israeli and Palestinian people can enjoy a peaceful and secure life. Both sides expressed concern about the escalating situation in the Middle East and agreed to continue to maintain communication.
The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern. (over)