Norway will contribute to oil and gas development in Lebanon," said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg after his meeting with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora today.

“Norway will assist in the development of effective institutions and regulations within the petroleum sector. We have experience in this field that may be of use to Lebanon," said the Prime Minister.

"Norway has contributed 30 million USD in humanitarian aid to Lebanon this year. The decision to establish an embassy in Beirut, shows our long term commitment to support Lebanon," commented Stoltenberg.

The programme for Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's visit to the Middle East also includes, in addition to the meeting with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in Beirut, meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem and President Mahmous Abbas in Ramallah. Furthermore, he will be meeting the Norwegian UNIFIL-force in Limassol, and religious leaders in Bethlehem.

Prime Minister Siniora and Prime Minister Stoltenberg. Photo: Scanpix

"Both Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and I share a strong concern for the serious situation in the region. Tomorrow I will meet with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas and I strongly hope for a dialogue including all partners in the region. It is a necessity for the prospects for peace and stability in the region," said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.