In addition, Saether said Norway is willing to share its expertise and experience in environmental protection and social welfare with China, and a number of cooperation programs in those fields have begun.

Saether took up his post as Norway's new ambassador to China in December last year. He is an experienced diplomat with a long career in Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He earlier served as Norway's ambassador to Turkey and to Israel.

Saether said this will be a "challenging and rewarding" post for him considering the significance of Sino-Norwegian ties in Norway's foreign policy, and the huge opportunities presented by China's rapidly growing economy.

"My mission here is to follow up the Norwegian government's new China strategy, help the Norwegian people know more about China and convey the true picture of Norway to China," said the ambassador.

(China Daily May 16, 2008)