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Norwegian ambassador hails 55-year friendship
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-16 08:08
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In March 2007, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited China and held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on advancing friendly cooperation in all areas. |
Dear Reader,
Norway recognized the young People's Republic on 7 January 1950, one of the first Western countries to do so. Four years later, Norway and China established diplomatic relations on October 5, 1954 and set up embassies in their respective capitals, Oslo and Beijing.
Norway and China have enjoyed, and still enjoy, excellent relations in many areas, and our joint history goes beyond the 55 years of diplomatic relations.
Norway, with 4,7 million inhabitants, and China as home to one fifth of the world's population, are located far away from each other and may seem not to have the most natural basis for developing relations, but history tells us the opposite.
Areas of mutual interest and trust have, in recent years, expanded from politics, economy and trade, to a number of other sectors, including environmental protection, cultural exchanges, research collaboration and education.
The frequency of high level visits is a signal that the relations are highly valued on both sides. King Harald, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon visited China during the Beijing Olympic Games in August. This was the third visit of the Royal Family to China.
China's importance to Norway is also reflected in the expansion of the Norwegian diplomatic presence in the country. In addition to our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai, we opened a new Consulate General in Guangzhou a year ago.
Over the last few years, we have seen that economic growth in China directly influences Norwegian economy and trade. Both countries have therefore recognized the mutual benefits of a free trade agreement (FTA) and negotiations are ongoing.
In Norway, there is an increasing interest in China as a travel destination, as a land of business opportunities and as a cultural source. We have also witnessed a significant increase in Chinese visitors to Norway, the main attraction being the mountains and the fjords.
It is my hope that the relations between China and Norway will continue to expand in the years to come. Norway wants to learn more about China and we want to be China's partner in its development, its international cooperation and in addressing common opportunities and challenges.
Svein O. Saether is Norway's ambassador to China.
(China Daily 10/16/2009 page12)
