"Developments in the Arctic have global effects...China can make a valuable contribution," Stoere said in a speech delivered at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing.

"Today we have an international scientific presence (in the Arctic), including a Chinese research presence, which is highly welcomed," Stoere said.

As one of the top polar research countries, China has "impressive capabilities" in the field, Stoere said, noting that China's Arctic station is "a dynamic part of the research."

China's first scientific research station in the Arctic area, the Yellow River Station, was put into operation on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen on July 28, 2004.

According to Stoere, Norwegian and Chinese scientists will meet at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai in September to further discuss bilateral cooperation.

Norwegian polar institutes and their Chinese counterparts will sign an agreement on polar research cooperation, Stoere said.

"I appreciate the close cooperation we have with China," Stoere added. (Xinhua)