Recalling his state visit to Norway in 1996, Jiang said he was warmly welcomed by the Norwegian King Harald V, the Norwegian government and the people, noting he was very impressed by the economic, social and cultural achievements Norway had made.

He said that in 1997, he received Harald V in Beijing, and he asked Bondevik to pass his regards to the Norwegian king and queen.

Bondevik also passed Harald V's greetings to Jiang, saying the King was impressed by the achievements China has made in the past two decades.

Jiang said bilateral ties have progressed well in recent years and exchanges at various levels between the two have increased.

Norway is advanced in many fields, such as environmental protection, fishery, ship-making and navigation, and bilateral cooperation has brought significant achievements, he said.

Bondevik said on this visit he is leading a large delegation of business people who are very interested in the Chinese market.

Norway and China both have great potential in economic and trade cooperation, he said. He is hoping to continue to strengthen cooperation in fields such as environmental protection, telecommunications and navigation.

The two sides also exchanged views on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), anti-terrorism and other issues.

Jiang said China and Norway have no conflict of interest and the two share the same or similar positions on major international issues. He stressed that as long as the two increase understanding and expand cooperation in an egalitarian way showing mutual respect and for mutual benefit, the Sino-Norway ties will progress in a steady and healthy manner.

Bondevik said he hopes China will play a bigger role in international affairs, and he is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in affairs concerning the United Nations.

Bondevik is in China for a five-day official visit at the invitation of the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

(People?s Daily January 23, 2002)