Norway and Turkey sign agreement

”Norway and Turkey enjoy excellent bilateral relations, and there is considerable potential for expanding our cooperation”, says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Mr Støre travelled to Ankara this morning to meet his Turkish colleague Ahmet Davutoglu. The two foreign ministers have agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of peace and reconciliation, and today signed an agreement on diplomatic exchanges. The agreement will give Turkish and Norwegian diplomats the opportunity to exchange experience on peace and reconciliation work.

“Norway and Turkey have different departure points. The fact that we take different approaches means that we can complement each other in a unique way in our efforts to prevent conflict,” said Mr Støre.

During the working breakfast, the two foreign ministers discussed developments in the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Balkan, and agreed to enhance cooperation in these areas. 

Mr Davutoglu accepted Mr Støre’s invitation to take part in the Oslo Peace Forum in June.

The foreign ministers also talked about bilateral relations between Norway and Turkey, and they agreed to strengthen economic ties.

While he is in Ankara, Mr Støre will also have talks with Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bagis and discuss the Middle East with various Turkish experts.