On March 26, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg at the Great Hall of the People, and both sides reached consensus on advancing friendly cooperation in all areas.

Wen said Norway is one of the first countries in North Europe to acknowledge the New China, as well as an important cooperative partner of China in North Europe. Over the years, the two governments have been committed to the development of bilateral ties and have built up mutual understanding and trust through high-level exchanges, consultations and dialogue, said Wen. In the economic field, the two countries have fully tapped their advantages to advance bilateral cooperation in the areas of transportation, telecommunications, agriculture and environmental protection through bilateral agreements on the economic, industrial and technological cooperation and the joint economic and trade commission, he added.

Wen pointed out that deepening bilateral ties is the common aspiration of the two countries and conforms to the fundamental interests of both peoples. China attaches importance to ties with Norway and is ready to work with Norway based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, to push bilateral cooperation in all areas to a new level, he said.

Stoltenberg said China and Norway are old friends and the two peoples hold profound feelings towards each other. He expressed admiration for China's reform and opening-up endeavor which helps over 200 million people get rid of poverty, and for China's achievements in the economic and social development. Stoltenberg said recent years have witnessed effective cooperation between China and Norway in the fields of politics, economy and trade. The two countries are highly complementary in economy and enjoy huge potential for development. The purpose of his leading such a large delegation to China is to strengthen the existing sound cooperation between both sides and expand their collaboration in the areas of environmental protection, energy, economy and trade, culture and education, Stoltenberg added.

The two sides agreed to optimize trade mix, encourage mutual investment between their businesses and expand cooperation on clean energy, energy saving, fishery and forestry. They also agreed to launch a joint feasibility study on a free-trade agreement between the two countries at an early date. Both sides pledged to further strengthen cultural exchanges and do a good job in holding the "Chinese Cultural Festival" in Norway this year and cultural exchange activities of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe in Norway.

Both sides also exchanged views on environmental protection and climate changes. They agreed to set a cooperation framework on environmental protection to better scheme long-term collaboration between the two countries. Stoltenberg said the environmental problems in today's world were largely caused by the industrialization of developed countries which have obligation to fund developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Norway would like to help China achieve this goal by increasing investment and technique transfer, he said. Wen said China supports the Kyoto Protocol, though it does not set gas emission reduction targets for developing countries. "China has always observed its obligation with a responsible attitude," Wen said, pledging the country is ready to work with the international community including Norway to cope with climate change and green house gas emission, improve energy efficiency and tap clean energy.

Following the talks, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of a number of bilateral documents including a memorandum of understanding in which Norway formally recognized China's full market economy status and agreements on fishery cooperation and coping with climate change.

Prior to the meeting, Wen Jiabao hosted a welcome ceremony for Stoltenberg at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairperson of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Pan Guiyu, Minister of Finance Jin Renqing, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Chinese Ambassador to Norway Chen Naiqing and other officials attended the ceremony.