[3] The commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries nearly 60 years ago has progressed from cultural and political exchanges to trade ties such as economy, industry and technology.Haakon Hjelde, Norway's negotiator alleged the postponement was not directly linked to the award, but Henning Kristofferson, director of international relations of the BI Norwegian School of Management, was certain that this was a retaliatory move.[14] The newspaper Klassekampen wrote that Norwegian "war ships are being directed to Northern areas (nordområdene) because nations like Russia and China are showing increased interest for the natural resources of the North.[15] The standoff continues into 2013 with unofficial Chinese restrictions on Norwegian salmon and visas and China comparing Norway's action to a noose around the tiger's neck.[16] A 22 April 2014 NRK article said that by not having Norwegian officials meet with Dalai Lama during his upcoming visit, "one sends a quite unfortunate signal, not only to Chinese authorities but to people in Tibet who are exposed to ever increasing repression".[19] In July 2019, the UN ambassadors from 22 nations, including Norway, signed a joint letter to the UNHRC condemning China's persecution of the Uyghurs as well as its mistreatment of other minority groups, urging the Chinese government to close the Xinjiang internment camps.