Norwegian PM's trip nurtures cooperation

China is ready to work more closely with Norway in areas such as Arctic scientific research, resource exploration and environmental protection, President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Meeting in Beijing with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Xi said it also is hoped that Norway will "play a more proactive role in boosting China-Nordic cooperation".

Solberg said the country is ready to expand cooperation in fields like Arctic affairs, and maintain closer contact and coordination with China in international affairs. Solberg's five-day official visit, ending Tuesday, is the first visit to China by a Norwegian prime minister in 10 years.