In the budget proposal for 2007, the Government is increasing the allocation for international cultural cooperation by NOK 20 million.Particular priority will be given to cultural cooperation in the High North, and half of this increase is earmarked for this purpose. This is in keeping with the fact that the High North is currently Norway’s most important strategic priority area. This brings total allocations for cultural cooperation and public diplomacy to NOK 177 million.

“Cultural cooperation is an important part of foreign policy and one of the aims set out in the Government’s white paper on cultural policy. In the Government’s view, cultural cooperation in Norway and international cultural cooperation should be seen in a more holistic perspective,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“We see how cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation in the North have resulted in valuable contacts and networks with Russia across the borders. This is something we definitely want to encourage,” said Mr Støre.