Oslo (People's Daily) – Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre recently visited China, achieving significant outcomes. China and Norway agreed to practical cooperation in fields such as green environmental protection, energy transition, maritime shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles. In addition, China agreed to grant Norway a 15-day visa exemption policy, and the central banks of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation. The two sides also agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism for green transition. Norwegian society has responded positively to the visit.

Photo: Xinhua

"Clearly, the agreements reached between Norway and China in various fields represent a major step forward in the right direction for bilateral relations, as they lay the foundation for building trust and promoting deeper cooperation," said Glenn Diesen, a political science professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway, in an interview. Diesen emphasized that China is an important partner for Norway in addressing environmental degradation through renewable energy use and the transition to electric vehicles. He also noted that Norway and China are natural partners in shipping, agriculture, and fisheries, and the visa waiver will help foster mutual understanding and trust. Diesen added, "These agreements are very positive as they indicate that the significant shifts in the international system should be seen as positive developments. Hopefully, these agreements will mark the beginning of broader initiatives to foster even friendlier relations between Norway and China."

Liu Manjuan, president of the Norwegian Chinese Women's Association, remarked, "We have been closely following the news of Prime Minister Støre's visit to China, especially his meetings with Chinese leaders and the multiple important cooperation outcomes achieved, which demonstrate that Norway-China relations are moving in a positive direction with great significance." Liu stated that the 15-day visa exemption policy for Norwegians has been a major topic of discussion among the Norwegian Chinese community. "This policy not only makes it more convenient for Chinese people in Norway to return home more frequently, but it also facilitates business and tourism activities for Norwegians in China," she said. Liu further expressed that Norway has always placed great emphasis on environmental protection, and China, with its advanced technologies in renewable energy, holds a leading edge in this field. She is confident that both sides have broad prospects for cooperation in green environmental protection and energy transition.

Chen Wei, the Norwegian Labour Organization's Coordinator for China Affairs, told reporters that Prime Minister Støre's visit to China yielded fruitful results, with both sides reaching a consensus on green environmental protection, energy transition, maritime shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles. Practical cooperation, such as the 15-day visa exemption, has clarified the direction and areas for the future development of Norway-China relations. Chen stated, "Without a doubt, these pragmatic cooperation areas and clear policies will not only further promote the development of Norway-China relations and exchanges between people, but also provide a promising future for the business sectors of both countries." He also emphasized that the visa exemption policy addresses a major concern for the Norwegian business community, reducing many obstacles for Norwegians traveling to China for tourism or business, which is excellent news. Chen concluded by saying, "With increased personnel and business exchanges, both sides will surely gain a deeper understanding of and trust in each other."