Prime Minister Solberg had a constructive discussion today with her Portuguese counterpart, Prime Minister António Costa, in connection with Portugal’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The priorities of the Presidency are, to a large extent, in line with those of Norway. In the area of health, Norway is cooperating closely with the EU in the fight against COVID-19. Portugal and Norway are both playing a leading role in the green transition in Europe, and Norway is an active partner of the EU in key areas such as climate change. Norway has good opportunities to work together with Portugal, particularly in relation to blue growth and other ocean issues, under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme.
Portugal is an important partner in international ocean cooperation. Prime Minister Costa is a member of the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, initiated and co-chaired by Prime Minister Solberg.
The two prime ministers agreed to involve more countries in the follow-up of issues on the High-level Panel’s agenda, particularly efforts to promote sustainable management of the oceans. As a step in this direction, the prime ministers agreed to invite interested countries to a meeting in June this year.
