The Government’s aim is to intensify efforts in our neighbouring areas to the east. Ukraine and Belarus are two of the countries where supporting political and economic reforms immediately can have a positive effect on further progress.

“The reform process in Ukraine after the Orange Revolution in 2004 is vital for the country’s further progress. The Government will intensify its efforts in Ukraine in order to help the country become integrated into European and Euro-Atlantic cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Belarus has an authoritarian and undemocratic form of government. This was clearly evident during the presidential election in March. The overriding aim of our policy towards Belarus is to contribute to democratisation and enhance respect for human rights in the country,” said Mr Støre.

The Government’s main priority areas in our cooperation with Ukraine will be democracy-building measures, defence and security sector reform, the health and social sector, education, environmental protection and energy. The allocation to Ukraine will be more than tripled, from NOK 8 million in 2006 to NOK 26 million in 2007.

The Government will expand cooperation with the opposition and NGOs in Belarus with a view to building up expertise in areas that are important for a future transition to a democratic form of government. The allocation to Belarus will, therefore, be increased from NOK 4 million in 2006 to NOK 9 million in 2007.