China appreciates the Norwegian government's long-lived support of the one-China policy, and is willing to expand cooperation with Norway in various fields, said Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing Monday when holding talks with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Petersen.  

Current China-Norway relations are good, with mutually beneficial cooperation and exchanges in economic trade, culture, education, and science and technology, Li told Petersen, who arrived here at the invitation of Li on Sunday.

"China is willing to keep close exchanges and consultations with Norway on international affairs on the basis of mutual respect, so as to push forward the healthy and stable development of China-Norway relations," said Li.

Petersen agreed with Li's comment on bilateral relations, reiterating that Norway will continue to stick by the one-China policy.

The Norwegian government attaches great importance to relations with China, and is willing to enhance cooperation with China in economic trade, environmental protection and tourism, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on other important international and regional issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2005)