Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China and Norway should strengthen cooperation and work together to promote global peace and development during talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Oslo.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that Norway was among the first Western countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. He said bilateral relations have remained stable and continued to develop over the years, delivering significant benefits to both countries.
He said political trust between the two nations has grown stronger in recent years, while practical cooperation has expanded into greener and more innovative sectors. Wang described the China-Norway Dialogue on the Green Transition as an important platform for bilateral cooperation in the new era.
“No matter how the international situation evolves, China and Norway should remain committed partners in cooperation,” Wang said.
He added that China is prepared to enhance exchanges with Norway at all levels, including with the Norwegian Royal Family, government, parliament and political parties, while safeguarding the political foundation of bilateral ties. Wang also called for broader cooperation in trade and the green economy to further strengthen relations.
He said both countries should work toward upgrading bilateral trade, conclude a China-Norway free trade agreement at an early stage, deepen collaboration in clean energy, electric vehicles, green shipping and the circular economy, and ensure the effective implementation of the Dialogue on the Green Transition.
Addressing global challenges, Wang said the international community is facing growing instability and noted Norway’s role in mediating regional and international conflicts.
“China and Norway should work together to defend multilateralism through concrete actions, promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthen cooperation on global governance, and advance the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, thereby contributing to world peace, stability, prosperity and development,” Wang said.
Eide said the constructive partnership between Norway and China continues to gain momentum. He reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in trade, the green economy, environmental protection and maritime affairs.
He also reiterated Norway’s support for free trade and opposition to the over-securitization of economic issues. Referring to current global uncertainties, Eide stressed the need for stronger international cooperation, adherence to international rules and support for multilateralism.
Eide said Norway and China share similar views on several international and regional issues and acknowledged China’s important role in global affairs. He added that Norway is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China to support the central role of the United Nations, uphold the fundamental principles of international relations, tackle global challenges such as climate change, and jointly protect the planet.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the situation in the Middle East and other international and regional issues.
