-We see a gradual development of Russian-Norwegian relations, aimed at the implementation of joint projects, Foreign Minister Lavrov said in the meeting, the foreign ministry website reports.
–Both sides are tuned towards a further development of intensive political dialogue, a strengthening of the legal basis for the cooperation, an extension of trade and economic relations, enhanced interaction within the fields of energy, fisheries and ecology, Lavrov added.
In the meeting both sides also expressed their interest in a strengthening of the Euro-Arctic Barents Council and the Arctic Council.
In the press conference, Mr. Lavrov also said that “significant progress” has been made in talks about the delimitation of the disputed zone in the Barents Sea. He did not dare however to predict any end date for the negotiations. Also Foreign Minister Støre noted that the atmosphere in the talks is good.
The foreign minister meeting comes less than two months before Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg goes to Moscow to meet with President Dmitry Medvedev. In that meeting, energy and the Arctic will be central issues, as BarentsObserver has reported.
In an interview with RIA Novosti earlier this week, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Andrey Nesterenko positively commented on Russian-Norwegian relations. “Russian-Norwegian relations are on the rise. Inter-parliamentary contacts and collaboration at the ministry/department level are expanding. The juridical base of bilateral cooperation is being strengthened. The agreements on the delimitation of the marine spaces in the Varanger Fjord, on visa facilitation and on admission took effect last year. Approximately ten new intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements are currently in the stage of elaboration. “
