Petroleum Minister Enoksen opened the 5th Russia-Norwegian Oil and Gas Conference in Kirkenes

The Norwegian minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mr. Odd Roger Enoksen, held the opening speech at INTSOK’s 5th annual Russia-Norwegian Oil and Gas Conference, “Partnership in the North”, in Kirkenes today.

-The conference is a major event. It focuses on the potential both for development in the Arctic region and further co-operation betweenRussiaandNorway. This focus is well aligned with the Norwegian Government’s objective to achieve sustainable growth and development in the high North, minister Enoksen said.

In his speech Odd Roger Enoksen gave some reflections about the increasing need for more energy in the world in the years to come, and the environmental challenges this causes. He then elaborated on Norway’s role in this context, focusing on the Barents area. Finally, he focused on the internationalisation of the Norwegian petroleum industry and the co-operation with Russia.

-We will continue to develop our co-operation with the Russians. We share the ambition of developing the Barents region in accordance with the highest environmental standards, and with the most advanced technologies. Our ambition is to be in the lead, said Minister Enoksen.

The Russia-Norwegian Oil and Gas Conference “Partnership in the North” takes place January 29-31 at Rica Arctic Hotel, Kirkenes, and gathers about 230 participants. More information about the conference, see.

The Minister’s speech in pdf: Perspectives for oil and gas offshore developments in the Barents Sea