Wu Bangguo, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Jorgen A. Kosmo, president of Norwegian Parliament in Beijing Saturday.

Wu said relations between China and Norway have been developing smoothly since the two countries established full diplomatic ties, and the cooperation between the two countries in economy, education, science, culture and health have brought benefits to the two peoples.

The visit of President Kosmo to China, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Norway, was of "significant meaning" and fully demonstrated that the Norwegian Parliament and government attached great importance to China-Norway relations, Wu said.

He said the development of China-Norway relations showed that despite different social systems, cultural and economic backgrounds and opinions on certain issues, the relationship of the two countries can move forward smoothly and healthily as long as the two can always shelve differences and seek common ground and adhere to the basic principles of mutual respect, non-interference of internal affairs and peaceful coexistence.

"China is willing to join efforts with Norway to further promote China-Norway comprehensive friendly cooperative relations for the benefits of the two countries and the two peoples," Wu said.

Wu also thanked Norway for its adherence to the one-China policy.

Kosmo said Norway's stance on the one-China policy will remain unchanged.

Norway appreciated China's active role in the international arena, said Kosmo, adding that he believed that China's development will help maintain world peace, stability and prosperity.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2004)