Sound relations built on 70 years of friendship

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, who paid an official visit to China from Monday to Wednesday, is the first foreign minister from Europe to visit China this year, highlighting the importance that Norway attaches to its relations with China.

Norway was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

After 70 years of development, China-Norway relations have become more mature and resilient, maintaining strong endogenous momentum. China has expressed its appreciation that the Norwegian government views China's development objectively and rationally, adheres to the one-China principle, and holds true to its friendship with China.

As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out during a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart in Beijing on Monday, although China and Norway are far apart, with different national conditions and systems, they both seek to uphold global stability, peace and prosperity.

By adhering to candid communication, promoting cooperation in a pragmatic manner, and handling differences in a prudent manner they can inject more certainty, stability and positive energy into the world.

So it was good to hear the top Norwegian diplomat say that the Norwegian government advocates mutual respect and constructive dialogue as the means to promote the development of bilateral relations and jointly build an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world.

The Norwegian side's recognition of China's transformation of its development model, and the broad cooperation space Eide highlighted as the two countries pursue their green transition indicate the Scandinavian country's willingness to work with China to tap into their economic complementarity and jointly address the challenge of climate change.

The 70th anniversary of the founding of bilateral diplomatic relations provides the two sides with a good opportunity to intensify high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, explore the establishment of a bilateral green transformation cooperation dialogue, and promote personnel exchanges. They have every reason to jointly advocate multilateralism and free trade, and strengthen collaboration on common challenges such as protecting biodiversity.

In their meeting, Wang and Eide also agreed on the need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, allowing for a significant increase in humanitarian aid, and the need for all parties to work together to prevent the conflict from spilling over, and called for the immediate release of all hostages. That sent a clear message to the world that they both stand on the side of justice, fairness and peace.