The minister had talks with representatives of the Chinese leadership, including China’s Vice President Xi Jinping and Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi. Mr. Støre stated the importance to follow up bilateral issues and enhance cooperation with China on international affairs.
Among the other topics discussed were China’s development and political priorities, disarmament and non-proliferation, the Arctic Region, G20, the situation in Afghanistan, the free trade negotiations between Norway and China and human rights issues.
The Foreign Minister started his official visit by holding a lecture on the Arctic region at the China Institute of International Studies, a think tank associated with the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The lecture attracted great interest from local researchers, diplomats and international and local press. Questions were raised about Mr. Støre thoughts regarding the development and perspectives on international cooperation in this field.
In the afternoon the Norwegian Foreign Minister had a meeting in the Great Hall of People with Vice President Xi Jinping. The meeting was a very important part of the one-day visit and the strengthened relations between Norway and China.
Later the same day Mr. Støre had a 30 minutes long interview with Phoenix TV. Mr. Støre was interviewed by the well known reporter Anthony Yuen on his famous talkshow “Talk with world leaders”, which is watched by more than 300 million people.
The visit by Foreign Minister Støre was well documented in Norwegian, Chinese and international media. The Norwegian wish for further collaborations with China on Arctic issues was of special interest for the domestic press.
For Chinese online press report please follow the attached link:
Press report at CIIS
General press report