Check against delivery

Mr. Chairman, delegates,

I would like to begin by thanking Finland for hosting this meeting. Finland has been spearheading the Northern Dimension since its inception – and we are grateful for that.

Norway has a broad and long-standing cooperation with Russia, the EU and Iceland in the North. I am pleased that it is no longer the EUs Northern Dimension – but the Northern Dimension – based on cooperation between these partners on an equal footing.

I welcome the political declaration and the framework for the Northern Dimension.

We support the initiatives which have been taken, partnerships forged, and projects on their way to be implemented in the Northern Region.

Visible results will increase awareness of the Northern Dimension. Visible results will benefit the people of this part of Europe.

The partnership model is useful for progress.

For example; Norway has pledged 10 million Euro to the nuclear window of The Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership.

We will this year make an initial contribution to the non-nuclear window. These contributions supplement Norway’s considerable joint efforts with Russia in both the nuclear and the other environmental fields over the last 15 years.

Norway also supports developing a new partnership on transport and logistics. We also support the inclusion of other projects such as smaller and medium-sized energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

We have in the framework document agreed on a number of themes and specific projects in the priority sectors - such as the east-west transport corridor – the “Barents Link”. This offer very exciting opportunities for economic development and growth in the High North.

We will not succeed in making concrete progress with the Northern Dimension without adequate financing. It would be helpful if the EU uses its financing instruments and programmes actively in the North.

It is a great advantage that relevant European financing institutions are integrated as participants in the Northern Dimension - and I believe we should increasingly involve international financial institutions as well. Norway will continue to do its share.

In the High North we face common challenges and opportunities. They are related to energy security, sustainable resource management, climate change – many of the main challenges facing mankind today.

Here we find rich marine resources that will be important for generations to come – both as sources of income and for consumption - that must be harvested in a sustainable manner.

Equally, the extensive oil and gas resources will be important for the security of energy supplies in the future. Cooperation on transport and infrastructure are among the many areas that are important in this regard.

This part of Europe has a great potential for sustainable economic and social progress. It can increasingly become an engine of growth and prosperity.

Its human resources and the potential of our societies augur well for the future. That is why we have supported regional cooperation in health for many years, in particular in the Baltic Sea region and with Russia on a bilateral basis.

In particular, the positive economic trends in Russia are of great importance, not only for Russia but for the growth potential of we who are Russia’s neighbours.

Norwegians are following Russian politic with keep interest. Norwegians are increasingly eager to pursuing business opportunities in Russia, and in particular in its western parts.

The agreement that Russia now should join the WTO is one which will bring enormous potential gains to the region. Improving transparency and predictability for trade and investment. It is an agreement that we support and welcome.

Still, we as political leaders must work diligently to remove obstacles to growth. Removing impediments to fruitful cross-border cooperation. This forum is dedicated to that important task.

Read more on the Finland's EU Presidency webpage