Latvia and Norway have long had a close relationship. Norway was among the first countries to recognise the restored independence of Latvia along with other Nordic countries at the beginning of the nineties. It is logical that since the early nineties, bilateral relations between Latvia and Norway have developed swiftly. Norway provided support and helpful advice to Latvia in the moments when we should do our utmost to promote Latvia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic space. Thanks to the support of our friends, we have succeeded well.
Today, we thank Norway for its support through the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism. Major projects have been completed to support the activities of non-governmental organisations, education, regional development, and green technologies aimed at mitigating of climate change, as well as the preservation of the cultural heritage. I am delighted that we will continue the cooperation of this kind.
We are also grateful to Norway for the dedicated funding for an in-depth program dedicated to EU law and economics at the Riga Graduate School of Law, which will be available to participants from the European Neighbourhood Policy countries, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. This cooperation provides a real contribution to the development of the wider European Neighbourhood.
Nowadays, both countries are close partners in the Baltic and Nordic region. We are trusted allies in NATO. During the conversation today, I thanked Norway for its contribution to the security of the Baltic region, that is, participation in the enhanced NATO presence in Lithuania and NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. I am delighted to note very good cooperation between the both National Armed Forces both during the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and currently.
Close bilateral relations between Latvia and Norway provide a good basis for tackling complex issues, such as catches of snow crabs. The expert-level discussion will be continued on this issue, and I hope that they will find a positive solution.
At the same time, I would like to emphasise close cooperation established between people of Latvia and Norway. That unites our countries and create mutual interest. In its turn, it enables us to develop and promote cooperation in both culture and tourism and other areas.
I would like to thank HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit for their visit, and I am convinced that Latvian-Norwegian relations will become even more dynamic, stronger, and promoting bilateral cooperation.
