Prime Minister Solberg congratulates Prime Minister Suga

Dear Prime Minister

Please accept my warmest congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of Japan.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with its enormous social and economic consequences worldwide, requires stable and competent political leadership to see us all safely through. Japan has handled the pandemic in an impressive manner, both domestically and internationally in its support for the health systems of developing countries. I am confident that, with you at the helm, Japan will continue to be in very safe hands. I also deeply appreciate the cooperation between our two countries in promoting equitable and universal access to a COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX Facility.

Japan is an important player in the global arena. I greatly value your continued commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Our two countries are firm allies of the Sustainable Development Agenda. As major ocean states, we take active part in efforts to safeguard the continued health and productivity of the world’s oceans, which are facing unprecedented threats. Your predecessor’s participation in the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, jointly chaired by the President of Palau Tommy Remengesau and myself, is a testament to this. I would like to invite you to become a member of the Panel, as Japan’s continued participation is vital as we approach the launch and follow-up of the Panel’s report.

At the bilateral level, I look forward to working with you on strengthening the economic partnership between Japan and Norway, to the mutual benefit of our countries. I hope we can further develop our social and cultural ties, as well as our cooperation in science and research.

I wish you every success in carrying out the important tasks that lie ahead, and I look forward to meeting you in person.

Yours sincerely

Erna Solberg

• Signed letter.pdf