Statement at press conference with China's Foreign Minister

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin. You and I had our first meeting today after your appointment. Thank you for visiting Norway.

China is an important partner, and we just had an open and good discussion on a broad set of issues.

Next year will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. We have touched upon the development of our trade relations, the green transition, and our joint focus on healthy and sustainable oceans. 

I commend China’s leadership to reach the first a global agreement ever on biodiversity. 

We have had extensive discussions on human rights, including our concerns related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong. 

We also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. 

I want to thank you again for our recent cooperation as members of the UN Security Council. Especially as we saw tensions rise in Gaza in 2021. 

An important part of our discussion was Russians unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

China plays a crucial role in reducing the nuclear threats. This is of global importance.

I urge China to continue its contact with Russia to reduce these threats and to end this war. 

Peace and security cannot be achieved until Ukraine’s sovereignty is fully respected and territorial integrity is restored.

This visit has given us an opportunity to discuss issues of common interest. We also have some issues where we do not always agree. I appreciate this openness. It has been my pleasure hosting you here in Oslo. I am looking forward to see you in China. 

And with that – the floor is yours, Your Excellency.