The Prime Minister's statement at the press conference at the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) Summit

As delivered

NB8 and Ukraine

Thank you so much, Kristen (Michal), for hosting us. And we look forward to taking over this important cooperation.

It has been well handled by Estonia. And today, we have discussed – first, a session on modern economy, on AI – and we have agreed that our digital ministers will stay connected to see how our coordination – both of how we deal with the industry and how we deal with the applications – how we can make each other more effective. I think that also belongs in our circle.

Then, of course, President Zelenskyy, it's great to have you here as our guest. I said at the meeting that this NB8 circle, these are your closest friends. I think we have been committed from the beginning – and we still are. You are facing a full-scale invasion. You are fighting. You are resisting, for Ukraine, for the civilians of Ukraine, but also for the rest of Europe. And I think this summit has confirmed once again that we stand by you in our support.

I think we have the impression that you are at a better place now than where we have been previously. You are pushing back on the front line, defending yourself more effectively. At the same time, Russia is struggling, but also able to hit Ukraine inside, at civilians, in an unacceptable way.

I am convinced that what you have said several times – nobody wants peace more than Ukraine and its President – you called for an end to the war last week, and high-level talks discussed solutions on what could be a point of departure for such talks. So again, I think that Ukraine is proving to be open to enter into such kind of dialogue, but on clear conditions.

Norway supports your call for peace, and we are ready to contribute to any efforts aimed at reaching that goal. In the meantime, we will have to be steadfast in our support. And we have agreed again, what are the key points now; air defense, defense against ballistic missiles, supporting your energy, and supporting other humanitarian needs inside the country, preparing for a winter which is not that far away.

And I think I would like to end by saying, as we approach new summits – there's G7, there's NATO – that the cooperation here with Ukraine is shifting in nature. It is now much more of a two-way street, because Ukraine has a lot to offer. This is perhaps the strongest army in Europe, and with an immense ability to innovate and to move forward. And we are happy to say that we are here in a partnership. And I think that in the NB8 context, we have that same approach.

So, we look forward to taking on the NB8 cooperation. And that will be in the very continued cooperation with Ukraine, Mr. President. Thank you.