"I am proud and pleased at the significant increase in development assistance presented by the Stoltenberg Government. We propose an increase of NOK 1.2 billion for 2002. Taken together with last year’s record increase, this means that the government has increased Norwegian development assistance by NOK 2.7 billion in two years. This represents a considerable effort to help those who need it most," said Minister of International Development Anne Kristin Sydnes.

In the budget proposal for 2002, the government is continuing to give high priority to health, education and the fight against HIV/AIDS. "Children represent development and a better future for the poorest countries. It is absolutely essential that we give children and these countries better opportunities. Our chances of doing this are threatened by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is why it is so important that we respond and intensify our efforts," said Ms. Sydnes. "The government is increasing allocations to health and AIDS efforts by NOK 280 million."

The government is continuing its efforts to make Norwegian development assistance more effective and targeted. Bilateral development assistance is being concentrated on seven main partner countries and 21 other partner countries. This, together with a strong focus on increased trade, expansion of the debt relief strategy and a more focused thematic effort will help to ensure that Norwegian development assistance helps to lift even more people out of poverty.

"At the same time, I am pleased to note that the Conservative Party is now aware of the inequalities in the world and the challenges of development cooperation policy. If nothing else, it is a good thing that in the Sem declaration, the Conservative Party has joined in the broad political agreement on Norwegian development cooperation policy. It is high time they did this, not least for the sake of the poor themselves," concluded Sydnes.