Norway's Prime Minister Urges Beijing to Boost Russia-Ukraine Talks During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's Visit

(CNA Taipei, July 7) Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo on the 6th. Støre stated in a post-meeting interview that China is likely the country with the most direct and effective communication with the Russian leadership, and expressed anticipation and strong urging for Beijing to leverage this channel.

According to Reuters, Støre said that the majority of their discussions focused on the Ukraine issue. He stated that while there is potential for deepening cooperation between Europe and China, this opportunity will be limited as long as the war continues and China remains a close partner of Russia.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide held talks with Wang Yi and described the dialogue on ending the Russia-Ukraine war as "constructive and hopeful." When asked if China indicated it would urge Russia to return to the negotiating table, Eide said, "I am not a spokesperson for China and will not quote them, but there were indeed some implications in their remarks."

According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Wang Yi pointed out during his meeting with Eide that Norway is one of the Western countries that recognized the People's Republic of China earliest. Bilateral political mutual trust has been continuously enhanced, mutually beneficial cooperation has expanded in depth and substance, and towards green and new directions. The China-Norway Green Transition Dialogue Mechanism has become an important platform for bilateral cooperation. Both sides should elevate the level of bilateral trade, sign the China-Norway Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible, and deepen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, electric vehicles, green shipping, and the circular economy, with a focus on implementing the Green Transition Dialogue Mechanism.

According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eide stated, "Norway firmly adheres to the One China policy" and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and dialogues at all levels with China, promote practical cooperation in areas such as trade, the green economy, and oceans. He also emphasized that Norway consistently supports free trade and opposes the securitization of economic issues.

Eide also said that Norway and China hold similar positions on many international and regional hotspot issues. Norway values China's important influence in international affairs and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to safeguard the central role of the United Nations, defend the basic norms of international relations, and actively respond to global challenges such as climate change.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Wang Yi and Eide also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East.

Wang Yi was invited to visit Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway from the 2nd to the 8th. This is Wang Yi's second visit to Europe this year; his previous trip was in February to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany. (Edited by Chou Hui-ying / Chen Kai-yu) 1150707

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