Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulates Bjørn Berge on role as new Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General
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Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press release | Date: 26/01/2021
‘I congratulate Bjørn Berge on his election to the post of Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. His extensive experience from the Norwegian Foreign Service and leading positions in the Council of Europe make him extremely well qualified for this position,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.
Today, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe elected Bjørn Berge to the post of Deputy Secretary General for a five-year period. The Council of Europe is Europe’s leading organisation for the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law principles.
‘Mr Berge’s election to the post of Deputy Secretary General is an acknowledgment of his expertise and experience, as well as of the insight he will bring to the organisation in the years ahead. Norway attaches great importance to the work of the Council of Europe, and I am pleased that Mr Berge will be able to contribute further to these efforts,’ said Ms Eriksen Søreide.
Mr Berge has worked in the Council of Europe since 2009. He held the position of Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General for many years. Since 2017, he has been the Director General and Secretary to the Committee of Ministers. Mr Berge also has wide-ranging experience from his work in the Norwegian Foreign Service and for the Office of the Prime Minister.
Press contact: Marte Lerberg Kopstad, mobile +47 99 52 20 26
