In a conversation with the head of Norwegian diplomacy Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, Minister Zbigniew Rau stressed that security remains the key area of common Polish-Norwegian interests. Poland and Norway are close allies and partners within NATO, who are willing to take actions to ensure security on a European and global scale. “We highly value the dialogue with Poland on security issues – consultations of deputy foreign and defence ministers are very important for us,” noted the head of the Norwegian MFA. As regards Eastern policy, the talks focused on the developments in Russia and the internal crisis in Belarus. The ministers agreed in their assessment of the situation in the Eastern neighbourhood and highlighted the importance of human rights protection.

Besides, the diplomats discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation development, including trade. “Norway sees the significant potential of its cooperation with Poland and is interested in strengthening it, particularly in terms of green transition,” said Minister Søreide. It has been underlined that – in terms of energy cooperation – the Baltic Pipe project is of particular importance. Also noted were good prospects of bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, including wind power and electromobility. “The Baltic Pipe project, which is strategic from the point of view of Polish energy transformation as well as Central and Eastern Europe’s security, will bring our countries even closer. We hope to strengthen Polish-Norwegian energy cooperation and expand it into new areas, including renewable energy sources,” stressed Minister Rau.

The considerable presence of the Polish community in Norway – an important factor of bilateral relations – was also discussed. Minister Søreide underlined Polish employees’ significant contribution to Norwegian economic development and appreciated their ease of integration with the citizens of Norway. 

The future of transatlantic relations was also an important item under discussion. The ministers agreed that European security depends on the strength of the transatlantic alliance, as well as political, economic and military involvement of the US.

In conclusion, the ministers expressed their hope that the consultations will give an important  impetus to further strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in the face of challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA