China, Norway agree to work 'closely' to safeguard multilateralism, free trade

​​​​​​​By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL(AA) - China and Norway agreed to work "closely" to deepen relations, and safeguard multilateralism and free trade, Chinese state media reported Sunday.

The understanding was reached Saturday during a meeting between China's top diplomat Wang Yi and his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Wang urged Norway to play a "constructive" role in the stable development of relations between China and Europe.

China, he said, is ready to maintain close exchanges with Norway at all levels, deepen cooperation in various fields and sustain the sound and stable momentum of ties.

China and Norway should strengthen communication and coordination, as both support multilateralism and free trade, he said.

Wang said that multilateralism should not mean acting as one pleases, nor should multipolarity be dominated by a few major powers.

All parties, he further said, should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the international system based on international law.

In return, Eide said that Norway attaches great importance to relations with China and hopes to continuously strengthen dialogue and cooperation.

Norway, he added, is ready to work closely with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the World Trade Organization to safeguard multilateralism and free trade.