Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Monday stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with China on the sidelines of a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo.
During talks with the visiting Chinese foreign minister on Monday, Eide said Norway stands ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and dialogue at all levels with China, and to further advance practical cooperation in areas such as trade, the green economy, environmental protection, and maritime affairs.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Eide said it is crucial for Norway to maintain sound bilateral relations with China.
"It is crucial for Norway, a small country with a medium-sized economy and a global outlook, that we maintain good relations wherever we can. We have growing trade with China, for example, and we can see that we have shared interests in many areas," said Eide.
Norwegian FM vows to maintain good relations with China
Fans in Madrid passionately celebrated the victory of Team Spain in their World Cup Round of 16 match on Monday after witnessing a hard-earn win against Portugal.
The fierce match was broadcast at Plaza de Colon where supporters gathered together to watch the tense Iberian derby.
Failing to find breakthroughs in normal time, Spain finally broke the deadlock in the first minute of stoppage time. Substitute Mikel Merino scored, helping Spain reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals and ending Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to lift football's biggest trophy.
"It feels really great. Honestly, I was extremely nervous and it was tough just now, but now I feel wonderful — we finally won. Spain kept fighting until the very end, kept playing with determination, and Portugal also played really well," said Paula, a Spain supporter.
"I feel great, because Spain won and that's my country. I'm also very happy, as we have advanced to the quarterfinals. Next, we will see if Spain can go all the way and win the World Cup," said Diego, another Spanish fan.
Spain, who have yet to concede a goal at the tournament, will face Belgium in the quarterfinal in Seattle on July 10.
Supporters in Madrid celebrate as Spain defeats Portugal in World Cup 1/8 Final
