Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide to visit Indonesia

‘Norway is playing a leading role in the global efforts to promote rich and clean oceans. The oceans will become increasingly important for meeting the world’s needs for food, medicines, energy and jobs. The Prime Minister’s international High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy focuses on the balance between conservation and sustainable use of the ocean’s resources. Two-thirds of Norway’s export revenues come from sea-based and coastal activities, and sound, knowledge-based management of these resources is very important for us,’ said Ms Eriksen Søreide.

The Our Ocean conference is being held for the fifth time this year. The aim of the conference is to enhance international efforts and cooperation on issues relating to the oceans. It will focus on the environmental status of the oceans, the need for investment in innovative solutions and the use of ‘best practices’ in the ocean-based industries. Ms Eriksen Søreide will lead the Norwegian delegation, which will also include Minister of Fisheries Harald Tom Nesvik.

‘The Our Ocean conference is an important arena for bringing together politicians and representatives of the business sector and NGOs who are working to promote sustainable use of the oceans. I look forward to inviting participants to the Our Ocean conference in Oslo next October. The Government indicated this autumn that we will increase our funding for efforts to combat marine litter in developing countries to NOK 1.6 billion over the next four years. We will announce this commitment during the conference, in addition to the international High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, said Ms Eriksen Søreide.

Norway considers research and knowledge to be crucial for ensuring sustainable use of the oceans. This will be a central theme at the conference in Oslo next year. More information about this year’s conference can be found here.

On 28 October, Ms Eriksen Søreide will hold bilateral consultations with Indonesia, and launch the annual bilateral human rights dialogue.

‘I am looking forward to the political consultations with my Indonesian colleague, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Relations between Norway and Indonesia are close, and we have cooperated for many years in areas such as our climate and forest initiative and human rights. Now we also want to strengthen our dialogue and cooperation on ocean issues,’ said Ms Eriksen Søreide.

 Press contact: Communications Adviser Ingrid Kvammen Ekker (travelling with Ms Eriksen Søreide), mobile phone: +47 990 24 984, email: ike@mfa.no.