UN Millennium Goals central in Stoltenberg-Rice talks

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today received the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Stoltenberg underlined his appreciation of the strong and long-standing ties of friendship between Norway and the US, bilaterally and in NATO. The UN, the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and climate change were issues of discussion.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for UN reform and hoped for a continued active US engagement in the UN.

"Norway has taken a special initiative in development aid and we have the ambition to be leading in the efforts to reach millennium development goals 4 and 5 – the reduction of child mortality and the increase of maternal health," Prime Minister Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg explained Norway’s support for the Palestinian Unity Government, but also said that the Palestinian Government must follow up their own words and recognize the demands of the international community.

"Success in Afghanistan is crucial," the Prime Minister said. 700 Norwegian soldiers are under ISAF command in Afghanistan – Norway's largest international military contribution.

 

 

 

Stoltenberg and Rice also discussed the high north and the importance of developing cooperation with Russia. The Prime Minister underlined the potential of energy resources in the Arctic region.

The meeting also touched upon climate change. Stoltenberg stressed the need for a future climate regime that is broader than the present one under the Kyoto Protocol.

"US participation will be vital in this matter", Prime Minister Stoltenberg said.