Visiting Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in
Oslo yesterday, with both sides expressing their common will to
expand cooperation in various fields.?
Stoltenberg appraised current bilateral relations, and said that
the rapid growth of the Chinese economy was improving people's
living standards and offered greater opportunities for the two
countries to deepen cooperation.
He hoped the two countries could begin cooperation in the energy
sector, as well as in the worldwide anti-poverty campaign and in
efforts to improve healthcare.?
Li affirmed the solid development of the two countries' ties,
citing fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the political,
commercial, cultural, educational, sci-tech, and polar region
research fields.?
He said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the
Sino-Norwegian relationship and hopes to learn from Norway's
successful experience in its social and economic
development.?
In a separate meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr
Stoere, Li proposed that the two sides increase exchanges at
governmental level as well as in social circles. He also called for
an expansion in cooperation in fishery and shipbuilding.
In the cultural field, Li said the Chinese side will actively
cooperate with Norway to facilitate celebrations for the "Ibsen
Year 2006" that will take place in several countries across the
globe, including China, from March 20 this year.
Stoere, on his part, reiterated the Norwegian government's
adherence to the one-China principle.?
While talking about the attack on the Norwegian Embassy in
Damascus, Li said different religions and cultures should respect
one another and coexist peacefully while the safety of diplomatic
missions should be ensured in accordance with international law. He
urged restraint of relevant sides to avoid any fresh violence.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2006)