2nd LD-Writethru-China Focus: China, Norway agree on normalization of ties

China and Norway issued a statement in Beijing on Monday on normalization of ties.

"The Norwegian side is fully conscious of the position and concerns of the Chinese side and has worked actively to bring bilateral relations back on track," said the statement.

China-Norway relations deteriorated since the Oslo-based Nobel Committee conferred the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize on convicted Chinese criminal Liu Xiaobo. Liu was sentenced to 11 years in jail on Dec. 25, 2009, after a court in Beijing convicted him of engaging in activities designed to overthrow the government.

"Through numerous, meticulous conversations, the two sides have reached a level of trust that allows for resumption of normal relations," said the statement.

The Norwegian government will not support any action that undermines China's core interests and major concerns, and will do its best to avoid any future damage to China-Norway relations, said the statement.

According to the statement, the Norwegian government reiterates its commitment to the one-China policy, fully respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and attaches high importance to China's core interests and major concerns.

Both sides agreed to boost cooperation in various areas including trade, culture, education and polar region, and cement consultation on global issues.

In his meeting with visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the two countries' foreign ministers had candid and in-depth talks, and reached an agreement on the normalization of bilateral ties.

China hopes to work together with Norway to open a new chapter in bilateral ties, and push forward a sustained, healthy and stable relationship, Li said.

China appreciates the new Norwegian government's adherence to the one-China policy and its wish to improve and develop ties with China, said the premier.

The two economies are highly compatible, Li said, adding China is ready to negotiate with Norway on an FTA, to send out a clear signal of trade and investment liberalization.

Brende, in his turn, said the normalization of relations is of historic significance, and has sent a positive message to the international community.

Norway adheres to the one-China policy and respects China's core interests and major concerns, which are the political foundation for ties, he said.

Li told Brende the history of China-Norway relations shows mutual respect, equality and taking care of respective core interests and major concerns, serve as the precondition and foundation for strengthening political trust and developing ties.

Norway hopes to take the opportunity of normalization of ties with China to enhance high-level exchanges, boost bilateral FTA negotiation and expand win-win cooperation in such areas as investment, hydropower, and offshore oil and gas exploitation, Brende said.

Earlier on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had talks with Brende.

The Norwegian side has reflected profoundly on what damaged mutual trust, and consulted seriously with the Chinese side on improving ties, Wang said.

The two sides had reached consensus on learning from the past and resuming trust, which met the fundamental interests of Norway and the Norwegian people, complied with the UN Charter and set China-Norway ties on the correct path, Wang said.

China hopes Brende's visit will normalize relations and boost healthy and stable growth of ties, Wang said.

"The new Norwegian government does not want to bear the burden of history. It took a more pragmatic approach and was eager to improve relations with China," said Cui Hongjian, director of the department of European studies at the China Institute of International Studies. Endi