Increased Norwegian humanitarian aid to Gaza

Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today met with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, on the occasion of the Czech Republic’s role as EU presidency. A central topic was the crisis in the Middle East. Stoltenberg announced that Norway will increase its humanitarian aid to Gaza from NOK 30 to NOK 50 million.

Read press release on increased humanitarian aid.

“We want to increase our aid to the population of Gaza, seriously hit by the fighting. The Government has therefore decided to grant an additional NOK 20 million to medicine, food and other emergency aid to the Palestinians”, Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg and Topolánek stressed the need for an immediate cease-fire and the need to meet the serious humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The two agreed to continue the close contact and cooperation between the EU presidency and Norway. Norway is the moderator of the international donor country group for the Palestinian Area.

The prime ministers also discussed the serious situation that has arisen related to Russia’s gas delivery to several EU countries. The crisis underlines the importance of safe energy deliverances in Europe. Both prime ministers said it is important to settle the matter quickly, in order to avoid an even more serious situation for the countries involved.

The Czech Prime Minister raised the issue of Norway participating in the observer group for gas transportation through the Ukraine. Stoltenberg said Norway will be willing to participate should the parties ask for it.