In March last year, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited China and held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on advancing friendly cooperation in all areas. The two countries signed a number of documents during his visit including a memorandum of understanding in which Norway formally recognized China's full market economy status and an agreement on fishing.

During Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere's visit in January 2008 Norway and China signed a framework agreement on climate change.

The ambassador said Norway is glad to see China playing a more active and constructive role in international affairs, such as the six-party talks on nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula.

He said Norway is willing to further intensify cooperation with China.

"In recent years we have held constructive dialog on international affairs such as the issues in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Sudan. Recent moves have included organizing a joint conference on integrated peace-keeping missions, as well as a bilateral conference on disaster risk reduction," said the ambassador.

Economic ties

Saether noted economic ties are also prospering because the economies of China and Norway are complementary to each other.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 54 years ago, economic cooperation has developed from simple exchanges of commodities to cooperation in trade, investment and technology transfer.