The Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Thorhild Widvey, is hosting "The Arctic Energy Agenda" for national and international decision makers at Grenselandsmuseet in Kirkenes. Amongst the participants are EUs Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, the US' Under Secretary of Energy David Garman, Russian leaders on political level, together with top executives from Norwegian and international oil companies.

Program for the journalists:

Thursday 7 July – "The Arctic Energy Agenda", Kirkenes

09.00 pm - Widvey has the pleasure of inviting the press to take part in the opening of the round-table conference at the Grenselandsmuseet. The rest of the conference will be closed, but the press will have the opportunity to meet the participants during the breaks.

16.30 pm (after the conference) – The Minister of Oil and Energy invites to a press conference at the same place, Grenselandsmuseet.

Press contact for Widvey while in Kirkenes is Head of Information Sissel Edvardsen, +47 901 97 382

Friday 8 July – Visit the Snøhvit-facilities at Melkøya, Hammerfest

08.30 pm – Attendance for the journalists at Hammerfest airport.

08.45 pm – Transportation by bus together with Widvey and the rest of the guest.

09.15 pm – Attend orientations regarding the Barents Sea and Snøhvit. CEO Helge Lund will inform about Statoil's main perspectives for the northern areas, while SVP Henrik Carlsen will provide information about the Barents Sea and Snøhvit LNG.

10.15 pm – Excursion by bus around the Snøhvit-facilities for the press together with the other guests. There will be a stop en route with possibilities for interviews and photographing.

11.30 pm – Return by bus to Hammerfest centre (possibly the airport).

Press contact during visit to Snøhvit, Melkøya is Sverre Kojedal, Statoil (+47 916 02 190)

The press must see to trip arrangements and accommodation themselves

It is necessary for all journalists and photographers to sign up in advance. Please forward an e-mail to Trude Larstad at tl@oed.dep.no or call 22 24 61 76 within 14.00 Friday 1 July for registration.