President Moon Jae-in (right) shakes hands with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg before their summit at CheongWa Dae on Feb. 15.

By Sohn JiAe and Yoon Jihye

Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in held a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, currently in Korea for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, on Feb. 15 and discussed ways to bolster cooperation on the Olympic Games and state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon expressed gratitude for the Norwegian royal family’s visit to the PyeongChang Olympic Games, including Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Prince Haakon Manus, and said that, “Norway’s active involvement and support is boosting the Korean government’s efforts to make the PyeongChang Olympics into a festival for peace and harmony for all mankind around the globe.” President Moon also wished all the best for the Norwegian athletes, who are currently ranked second in terms of overall medals. Prime Minister Solberg said, “The PyeongChang Winter Games will surely be Olympics of Peace, contributing to harmony and reconciliation for all mankind.”

President Moon Jae-in presents a white clay cup, specially made for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, to Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg as a gift on Feb. 15. The cup portrays the winter time in Gangwon-do Provice, where the Winter Games are taking place.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on shipbuilding, renewable energy, the defense industry, IT, fisheries industry and climate change, as well.

President Moon said that Seoul and Oslo have been steadily developing close, mutually beneficial ties for 59 years, ever since 1959. Prime Minister Solberg suggested that President Moon visit Norway next year when the diplomatic ties between the two countries mark 60 years.

***