Increased Norwegian-Russian cooperation

Simplified customs clearance, extended opening hours for the Norwegian-Russian border, joint business projects and transport through the Northeast Passage was on the agenda at a meeting between Norway and Russia in Arkhangelsk in northwest Russia today.

State Secretary Rikke Lind led the Norwegian. The russian delegation was led by  vice minister of the Russian Ministry for Regional Development, Maksim Travnikov.

The Working Group will follow up on the Norwegian-Russian joint declaration on strengthening cross-border cooperation which was signed by the countries' foreign ministers in Oslo on November 2. The working group will develop a concrete plan for following up the declaration.

- It is only days since the joint declaration on strengthening cross-border cooperation was signed in Oslo. Today we discussed concrete measures for how it can be followed up, Lind said. She thinks the meeting was positive. - A number of specific issues in our bilateral relationship were discussed, including customs issues and better conditions for business cooperation and investment, Lind said.

She is optimistic about getting started with developing a concrete action plan and hopes to have it finished within the next year. - In doing this, we want close cooperation with Norwegian companies and business organizations, Lind said.

Article on the web site of Barents Observer.