Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store visited China from September 9 to 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During his visit, the Prime Minister met with key Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress Zhao Leji, and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. These meetings focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of green development, trade, and cultural exchange. Both nations underscored the importance of working together to tackle global climate challenges while fostering stronger economic and environmental partnerships. Below is a summary of the key developments from this important visit.
This visit and statement is very important in an Arctic and Northern context as Norway currently Chairs the Arctic Council.
Below is an article published in China Daily written by Zhao Jia and Mo Jingxi "China, Norway aim at green transition":
Countries set up dialogue to facilitate joint efforts in pushing for transition
China and Norway have agreed to establish a dialogue on the green transition, seeking to facilitate contacts and cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve and restore biodiversity and create new green industries and jobs.
A joint statement, signed on Tuesday by Premier Li Qiang and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, said a biennial meeting coordinated by the two countries' foreign ministers will summarize progress and set new targets for the dialogue.
During the talks, Li said China is willing to work with Norway to promote green development and bolster cooperation in areas such as the green transformation of traditional industries and the cultivation of green emerging industries.
He called for close international coordination between the two nations to promote global climate and environmental governance in a more equitable, reasonable, cooperative and win-win direction and facilitate the realization of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Li said China is willing to work with Norway to expand and improve economic and trade cooperation, further deepen cooperation in fields including culture, arts, education, tourism and sports, and facilitate personnel exchanges.
"China welcomes Norway to increase investment in the Chinese market and stands ready to work with Norway to create a more optimized business environment for enterprises from both countries to invest and operate," he said.
Store, who is currently making an official visit to China upon the two countries' 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, said the bilateral relations maintain a friendly and dynamic development momentum.
Noting that he has visited China a number of times, the Norwegian prime minister said he has witnessed the remarkable development of the world's second-largest economy, and Norway is willing to be a reliable partner for China.
Norway supports enhanced dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China, as it has always advocated free and fair trade and upheld the multilateral trading system, he said.
Addressing a reception held by the Norwegian embassy in China on Monday, Store said that his visit to China is not about looking back at 70 years, but rather looking forward to the next 70 years.
"This is a vibrant relationship and I'm very happy that we are optimistic and pushing forward for what will follow in the years to come," he said.
Store, who arrived in Beijing on Monday, said the three-day trip will also bring him to a shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province, where Norwegian and Chinese suppliers are building one of the most environmentally friendly ships to date.
"There are many areas of cooperation that we will explore during this visit," Store said.
Regarding the Norway-China relationship, Store said he appreciated that the two countries have ambitions for future cooperation. He also said that dialogue could address difficult issues on which the two sides may have different opinions.
"But that is what the partnership is all about. We can be honest and open," he said.
Below is the full text of the Statement
Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Norway on the Establishment of Dialogue on the Green Transition
BEIJING - September 10, 2024
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Norway, at the invitation of Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store paid an official visit to China from September 9 to 11, 2024. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The two sides have agreed to establish a Dialogue on the Green Transition.
The dialogue will seek to facilitate contacts and cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve and restore biodiversity and create new green industries and jobs. The dialogue will encompass existing areas of cooperation as well as new initiatives that are conducive to expediting the green transition. As such it will coordinate dialogue on relevant issues including:
- Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change
- Just, equitable and orderly transition to renewable energy and low-emission solutions
- Sustainable, nature-based solutions to store greenhouse gases and restore and preserve biodiversity
- Sustainable ocean management and green shipping
- Plastic pollution and international instruments relating to plastic pollution
- Circular economy and sustainable green value chains
The cooperation and dialogue under the framework will be conducted by relevant authorities, businesses, and organisations in line with mutual interests and available resources and under their respective responsibilities. Where useful, specific thematic dialogues can be held on a regular basis. The dialogue will also facilitate strengthened contacts on multilateral processes of mutual interest.
A biennial meeting coordinated by our two Ministers of Foreign Affairs will summarise progress and set new targets for the dialogue.
Source: China.daily.com.cn The State Council The People´s Republic of China
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