Norway and Russia in the High North – common opportunities, common challenges

Speaking points
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Introduction

• The world’s attention to the High North areas is growing. In almost all our meetings, no matter where in the world, the High North is on the agenda.
• Previously, this was not the case! “High North” to Europeans was Schleswig Holstein.
• Now: This “new” perspective is gaining relevance. Our (Norway’s + Russia’s) part of the world increasingly important
• Main drivers: Climate change and resource potential, notably for fossil fuels
• Melting ice = new transport routes, possibilities for energy extraction. But also severe challenges. Climate change is happening fastest in the Arctic. Rising sea level. Affects us all. = Need for cooperation!
• During the Cold War we spent time watching each other. Although Norway and Russia has been at peace for 1000 years and enjoyed times of fruitful cooperation – not least through the pomor trade (ref. Pomoruniversitetet) – bilateral contact was at a low level during the Cold War.
• Today: we walk together. We cooperate on a vast number of issues.
• One important area of cooperation: Management of fish stocks in the Barents Sea.
• Another increasingly important area of cooperation: Energy
• Norwegian-Russian cooperation has intensified tremendously during the last 20 years. In 1990: 3000 border crossings. Today: Over 100 000. Russian language is becoming increasingly common in Kirkenes.
• In addition to our bilateral cooperation, Norway and Russia are partners in the Arctic Council, comprising of the 5 Arctic rim states (US, Canada, Russia, DK, N)
• Arctic Council: growing importance
• Recently, China, Italy, South Korea, Japan and the EU have increased their focus on the Arctic region and applied for observer status in the Arctic Council. I welcome these applications and firmly believe that the Arctic Council has an unreleased potential for cooperation between the Arctic states and the non-Arctic observers.
• I have talked about climate change, energy, possibilities for transport, and the importance of bilateral and international cooperation. Knowledge is key to all this!
• Currently Norway, Russia and 11 other nations have permanent research bases in Svalbard and scientists from more than 20 nations carry out research here
• Conclusion: This is our region. It has great potential, but is also vulnerable. We need to work together to ensure sustainable development of the Arctic. You, the younger generation, will inherit this task – develop our region with care and insight!