At the Nordic-Canadian summit in Oslo today, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney together with Prime Ministers Mette Fredriksen of Denmark, Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Petteri Orpo of Finland and Kristrún Frostadóttir of Iceland.

‘The Nordic countries and Canada have a great deal in common. We are all Arctic states and close NATO Allies, and we have many shared values and interests. Today, we have agreed to further deepen our cooperation in order to safeguard our security and create new opportunities for economic growth,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

In a joint statement, the six Prime Ministers acknowledge that we are living in a time of heightened geopolitical tension, war and climate change, and reaffirmed that they are united in viewing international cooperation based on international law, shared values and interests as the best way to strengthen our common security and prosperity.

‘Canada and the Nordic countries work hard every day to enhance security in the Arctic, and we support the efforts to strengthen the Allied presence through NATO. For Norway, it is vital to build vibrant local communities in the north – communities where people want to live and that enhance our national security and preparedness,’ said Mr Støre.

In a world where technology and international trade are increasingly being used as coercive tools, high priority will be given to economic security, job creation and green economic growth as the Nordic countries and Canada work to strengthen their cooperation.

‘The Nordic countries and Canada are committed to democracy, the rule of law and international law. We firmly support Ukraine in its legitimate fight to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and brutal war, and we call on all members of the Coalition of the Willing to increase their support,’ said Mr Støre.