Friday, June 19, 2026
Srilanka and Norway

“The man who didn’t run away” – Eric Solheim

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway’s former minister of Climate and the Environment, Erik Solheim says President Ranil Wickremesinghe has pulled off a political miracle in Sri Lanka, calling him ‘The man who didn’t run away’.

Solheim, appointed President Wickremesinghe’s International Climate Adviser in October 2022, took to ‘X’ to heap praise on the Sri Lankan President’s efforts to revive Sri Lanka from its economic crisis. 

“18 months ago the nation was in its deepest economic crisis ever. There were constant power cuts and long queues to buy fuel. Inflation was skyrocketing and most businesses were on the verge of collapse. The people toppled the then President.

“Stability is now restored in the land. Inflation is low. Power cuts and lining up for fuel are things of the past. Life is for sure still tough for many Sri Lankans. There is a lot of economic pain. But Sri Lanka can start looking ahead. To all the opportunities for a better future,” he said in a statement on ‘X’. 

Erik Solheim made the remarks after attending dinner with President Wickremesinghe and his wife Maithree Wickremesinghe in Colombo.

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Politics

Turkish FM holds talks with Norwegian FM

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday met with his counterparts from Norway, Jordan and Yemen as well as the EU foreign policy chief in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

“We agreed on the urgency to address regional issues and in particular to end the suffering in Gaza,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on X after the meeting, adding that they had a good conversation on EU-Türkiye relations, emphasizing the need for “cooperation” and continuation of the “engagement.”

During his meeting with Norway’s Espen Barth Eide, Jordan’s Ayman Safadi and Yemen’s Shai Muhsin Zindani, Hakan Fidan drew attention to the increasing global reactions to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza.

Fidan also stressed the need to increase pressure on Israel to stop attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The foreign ministers also discussed steps that could be taken for the recognition of the state of Palestine by more countries.

Fidan and his Norwegian counterpart also discussed cooperation within the framework of NATO.

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Diplomatic relations

Bulgarian Mosaics to Be Presented in Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

An innovative mobile exhibition titled “Bulgaria and the Mosaics” will be unveiled in Stavanger, Norway on May 3 at 6 p.m. local time, the Bulgarian Embassy in Oslo says on its Facebook page. Pianist Kiril Kutin, who founded the Stavanger International Piano Festival, and 10-year-old violinist Isola Lin will perform on the opening evening.

The event is organized by the Bulgarian Embassy in collaboration with the board of the St Peter’s Church in Stavanger.

Photo: Facebook/Bulgarian Embassy in Norway

The exhibition aims to present the rich and diverse mosaic heritage in Bulgaria through selected details of ancient, medieval and modern mosaics. It also highlights Bulgaria’s contribution to the preservation and research of the mosaic heritage in Southeastern Europe.

“Bulgaria and the Mosaics” consists of 26 printed panels, each equipped with a QR code that leads to a website presenting the digital part of the exhibition. The website gives information about the presented objects, their location on the map, the institutions and organizations thanks to which they are included in the exhibition, and short texts about the history, problems and practices of preserving mosaic art in Bulgaria.

The exhibition was developed by the Balkan Heritage Foundation in 2023 in cooperation with Bulgarian museums, non-profit organizations and experts in the field of art studies and archaeology.

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Russia and Norway

No NATO presence in Ukraine — Stoltenberg

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

NATO doesn’t plan to send combat units to Ukraine although some of NATO allies have military advisers there, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

“There are no plans for any NATO combat presence in Ukraine, but of course several NATO allies have men and women in uniform at their embassies giving advice,” he said in an interview with MSNBC.

“I think we need to distinguish between people in uniform that may be present or are present and combat presence and the presence of combat forces. And we have no plans of presence of that kind. What we do in Ukraine is that we help them to defend themselves.” He said, adding that NATO’s support “is not charity, it is an investment in our own security.”

The United States and NATO’s military aid to Ukraine is “too late” but the delays has had its “consequences,” Stoltenberg also said.

“It’s not too late but of course the delay has had real consequences <…> the Russians have much more ammunition,” he said in an interview with MSNBC, commenting on the new aid package for Ukraine approved by the US House of Representatives. “We have seen that fewer Russian missiles and drones have been shot down simply because they lack air defense systems and also ammunition to air defense systems. But it’s not too late because the Ukrainians demonstrated an enormous skill in defending their country.”.

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Media Freedom

Norway ‘regrets’ outcome as UNSC blocks Palestine’s full UN membership resolution

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway said on Thursday that it “regrets” that the UN Security Council disagreement on Palestine’s full membership to the UN.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide wrote on X that his country would have voted in favor of Palestine, following the vote on a resolution on full UN membership of Palestine, which saw the US veto.

“Norway regrets that the Security Council did not agree on admitting Palestine as a full member of the UN,” Eide wrote.

“We would have voted in favour. Norway is a staunch supporter of Palestine’s right to statehood.”

Eide added that the two-state solution is “the only way to durable peace” between Israel and Palestine.

12 countries, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Russia, South Korea, Mozambique, Malta, Japan, Guyana, France, Ecuador, China and Algeria voted in favor of the resolution but 2 countries, the UK and Switzerland abstained on the resolution.

Robert Wood, the US deputy envoy to the UN, said following the veto that his country believes there is no other path to Palestinian statehood than through negotiations.

“We also have long been clear that premature actions here in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people,” Wood said.

Palestine is a non-member state in the UN but has an observer status. An application for full membership necessitates an approval from the UNSC and a two-thirds of vote of all member states in the General Assembly.

The resolution that would open the way for a full membership application for Palestine came as the death toll in Gaza Strip that saw a relentless bombing campaign from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) since Oct. 7 reaches 34,000.

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Asia and Norway

Oslo opens route to China – via Kazakhstan

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

A new direct salmon air route between Norway and China has just been launched from Oslo.

The interesting aspect is that the plane travels via the former Soviet republic of  Kazakhstan, close to Russia, an area of the world avoided by western fish air carriers since the start of the Ukraine war.

The first consignment of 210 tonnes was flown to the Chinese market recently by a Hongyuan Group cargo plane.

Avinor, which runs Oslo Airport, said the new freight route will connect the Norwegian capital directly to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport with a stopover in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“This freight route is an important measure to meet the growing demand for efficient transport of goods, especially seafood, between Norway and China,” it adds.

Avinor shipping manager Eva Beate Lande said: “This marks an important milestone, and represents a significant opportunity for the seafood industry in Norway.”

The flight has been set up by the Hongyuan Group, while the plane itself is operated by Beijing Capital Airlines.

The route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, operated by an Airbus A330-300, with ambitions to increase the frequency in the short term if they fill the aircraft.

Eva Lande added: “With a capacity to send 210 tonnes of fresh fish directly to the Chinese market every week, we shorten the transport time significantly.

“We have seen a sharp increase in seafood exports to China since 2019, and now that the market is opening up after the restrictions of the pandemic, it is crucial to have direct routes like this to support further growth.”

The aircraft brings goods from China on the return journey.

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Asia and Norway

Turkmenistan participates in IPCI Conference

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Parliament of Turkmenistan delegated its representative to the 8th International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IPCI/ICPD), which was held in the Norwegian city of Oslo, Trend reports.

During the conference, measures to address reproductive health issues were discussed, as well as the exchange of countries’ experiences on maternal and child health, protection of women’s rights, and principles and methods for achieving gender equality for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) until 2030.

The participants of the meeting were familiarized with the systematic and consistent activities carried out in Turkmenistan in this area, including at the legislative level and in cooperation with UN agencies, as told by Gurbanmyrat Ashirov, a member of the Committee on Social Policy of the National Parliament of Turkmenistan.

Furthermore, the conference was attended by about 300 participants, including more than 200 parliamentarians from all regions of the world and representatives of national, regional, and global parliamentary groups.

Meanwhile, the IPCI conference is aimed at facilitating dialogue between parliamentarians from all regions of the world on the implementation of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and is the only event specifically created to form a global political consensus on reproductive health and rights in order to then transform into tangible national results in the fields of policy, financing, and accountability.

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Religion

Norway arms police due to threats against Muslims

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Police in Norway have decided to arm on-duty officers following threats made against the Muslim community, local media reported Monday.

The decision by the director general of police applies to officers throughout the country and came into effect on Saturday, said a statement released over the weekend.

Threats were made against mosques in the Nordic country, police spokesman Roar Hansen was quoted as saying by local media.

The move comes ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations this week marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.​​​​​​​

Norwegian police do not generally carry arms, but due to the threats, the police director general “has decided to arm police on a national level from today,” the statement said.

In August 2019, 21-year-old Philip Manshaus opened fire on the Al Noor Islamic center in Baerum, a suburb of Oslo.

He wounded one person and was then restrained by Muslim worshippers.

Prior to the attack, he killed his adopted stepsister at their home and posted messages online praising the Christchurch mosque shooter, the Poway synagogue shooter and the El Paso shooter, who targeted Latinos.

Manshaus was sentenced to 21 years in prison in June 2020.

A total of 51 Muslims were killed and 40 were injured at Masjid al-Noor and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand during Friday prayers on March 15, 2019 in a terrorist attack committed by Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant.

Norwegian Anders Behring Breivik, a neo-Nazi who on July 22, 2011 killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage, is widely referred to as a fanatic who was driven by a hatred of Islam and Muslims.

In a 1,500-page document, Breivik devoted 700 pages to attacking the Muslim religion.

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Russia and Norway

Olga Afanasyeva – The creation of a universal cryptocurrency “cosmiccoin” will lead humanity to Harmony and Prosperity

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Reference:

Olga Afanaseva was born on November 7, 1975, a Russian businesswoman scientist, psychologist. The author of the «Symbol of the III Millennium» – the «Millennium Flame» («Flame of the Preservation of Human Civilization»), the author of the «Cosmic Women’s Message», the founder and head of the private space company SpaceZero (Russia), the legal successor of SpaceZ (Great Britain).

Education: Smolensk State University (with honors), Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lulumba (RUDN), Russian New University (RNU). Advisor to the President of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAS). A psychologist of the highest category.

Her husband is the president of the international scientific community «Sofia Club» (an analogue of the «Club of Rome»).

Children: Alexandra (2008), Gleb (2013).

Olga Afanaseva was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Prize (Peace and Well-being Prize) (analogous to the Nobel Peace Prize) at the 38th International Congress of Peace and Well-being (January, 2019, New Delhi, India)

Activity: 

Since 2000, he has been the initiator of international scientific and image programs supported by UNESCO and UN Secretary–General Kofi Annan.

     Olga Afanaseva at the UN Headquarters (New York, 2018)

In 2000, she was the organizer of the program under the auspices of the United Nations «Towards the Third Millennium». She participated in the marathon (America – Europe – Asia – Australia) of the «Flame for the Preservation of Human Civilization» (an analogue of the «Olympic Flame»). She covered a distance of more than 5 thousand km from Paris to Astana.

Olga Afanaseva is the organizer of the international network of «Leonardo Innovation Centers». The «Leonardo Centers» operate in the context of space research with elements of psychological quests and an interactive museum of a new generation.

Olga Afanaseva and the head of the Star City cosmonaut, Valery Tokarev with representatives of the world-famous space agencies NASA (USA) and JAXA (Japan) (2019, Star City, Russia)

Olga Afanaseva is the initiator of a new direction of the «SETI for All» program («SETI» has been a set of projects on the search for extraterrestrial civilizations since 1959).

On November 4, 2017, during a visit to the Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova, the delegation of the International Scientific Club «Sofia Club» (Bulgaria) presented its projects, including the «Women’s Cosmic Message», the scientific basis of which Olga proposed to develop jointly with The «Sofia Club» (Sofia is the Goddess of Wisdom in ancient philosophy).

In 2018, he was the official representative of the Russian public organization at the 62nd Women’s Session of the 72nd UN General Assembly (New York).

Astronaut Valery Tokarev and Olga Afanaseva near Albert Einstein’s house (Princeton, USA)

Awards:

The Millennium Order of the International Union of Public Organizations «Perspective World» for contribution to the implementation of the program «Towards the XXI Century» under the auspices of the United Nations (Russia-France, 2003).

The Peace and Well-being Award is the NRI Award, as an analogue of the Nobel Peace Prize for contribution to the World Women’s Movement and a set of international programs in the field of Space development (India, 2018 – within the framework of the 38th World Peace Congress).

Order of BRICS for a report at the 62nd Women’s Session at the 72nd UN General Assembly (New York, 2018) on the development of new women’s initiatives and the creation of a «Women’s Cosmic Message» (USA – India, 2019).

Space Zero:

Space Zero operates in 42 areas of science and business.

The main priorities are the following: creative economy, innovative technologies (space, aviation, mechanical engineering, biology, neuroscience, etc.).

For the adaptation and convergence of projects, SpaceZero has nominated 100 billion “cosmiccoin”.

Among the global projects: “Mars 2030-2050”, “Robots make Robots”,

“AI Paradoxes”, “Medicine of the Future”, “Global Finance and Global Aggregate Debt (GTD)”, “Impact Business”.

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Terrorist

Bomb threats force lockdown of Norway’s parliament

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway’s parliament, the Storting, has been temporarily closed off after repeated threats against the institution, police have said.

Two threats were directed at the institution on Tuesday, but no link between them has been established yet, Oslo police chief of operations Sven Bjelland told a press briefing.

The first was not deemed credible, but the second threat led police to cordon off the building in the centre of Oslo on Wednesday.

REUTERS
Police investigate threats against Norwegian parliament.  / Photo: Reuters

According to Norwegian media, the threats were bomb threats, but police did not confirm this.

The public was asked to leave the building, but work continued normally inside in the morning.

“We are now at a stage where we do not believe that these (threats) were real, but that does not mean that they are not serious,” Bjelland told reporters after noon Wednesday.

The security perimeter set up around the parliament building was therefore lifted, but police said that they would maintain a presence on site.

Police gave no further details about the threats or their motives but said the source of the first threat had been identified.

Images and video from the scene showed heavily armed police officers wearing helmets surrounding the building, while police dogs were used to inspect the surrounding area.

In Norway, police are generally not armed, but they had been authorised to be temporarily armed from March 27 to April 2 — during Easter — without authorities changing their threat assessment level, which is currently considered “moderate”.

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Media Freedom

Vladimir Pogosian – Kingdom of Bahrain – Meeting of ancient civilizations

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

From February 27 to March 2, 2024, a delegation from Russia visited the Kingdom of Bahrain. Representative of the Russian Parliament – the State Duma of the Russian Federation H. E. Andrey Svintsov, President of the International Diplomatic Club “Amicability” and Director of Communications at BCMF (BRICS Cultural Media Forum) Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, international entrepreneur, philanthropist, member of the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation Vladimir Pogosian and famous Russian artist Marina Romakhina discussed a number of topics in the field of cultural, educational and social interaction. The members of the delegation visited the grandiose and such a traditional show for the Kingdom of Bahrain – Formula 1.

In addition, during his visit to this amazing country of the Middle East, a meeting was held with His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa – President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities. During a deep and productive conversation with His Excellency at the Bahrain Post Museum, Vladimir Pogosian, who is a recipient of the Charles Aznavour Gold Medal, addressed Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa with an offer of cooperation with Armenian artists and sculptors. Vladimir Pogosian, official representative of the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation, which is headed by Khachik Abrahamyan, Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences (Hanover, Germany). Vladimir Pogosian also presented to His Excellency the works of the famous Armenian sculptor Garegin Davtyan, in particular his unique work done in bronze – the monumental and epic figure of His Majesty on horseback. Garegin Davtyan is the recipient of many international awards, including he was awarded by “The Grand Gold Medal” of Pope John Paul II for the sculpture “The Sin of Avarice”.

The President of the international diplomatic club “Amicability” Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, participating in the discussion, proposed a special format of cultural interaction for the Kingdom of Bahrain called “Meeting of ancient Civilizations”. This concept involves an appeal through art to ancient traditions, roots, and the history of friendly relations between different peoples.

As a result of the conversation, it was decided to prepare a representative delegation of Armenian sculptors and artists, led by artist Khachik Abrahamyan and sculptor Garegin Davtyan
, for a visit to Bahrain within the framework of the “Meeting of Ancient Civilizations” project in order to exchange artistic experience and in preparation for the International Sculpture Symposium to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

H. E. Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa asked Mr. Vladimir Pogosian to prepare an official letter for the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities from the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Sergei Dvorianov presented H. E. Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa with a gift from the Mayor of Grozny Khas-Magomed Kadyrov and invited His Excellency to the Chechen Republic, where the BRICS International Forum “Spiritual Leadership and Creative Economy” will be held from April 25 to 27, 2024. We hope that the project “Meeting of ancient Civilizations” will become a bright new page in the history of art and the spiritual evolution of mankind.

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NATO and Norway

No direct threat from Russia to NATO

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, who chairs the NATO Military Committee, said he currently saw no indication that Russia may be planning an attack on any NATO country.

“There is no indication that Russia is planning to attack any NATO member state. I do not think there is a direct threat,” The Baltic Times quoted Bauer as saying.

However, he claimed that Russia’s ambitions “go beyond Ukraine.” We know that, so the Alliance as a whole needs to be more prepared,” he emphasized.

The North Atlantic Alliance can trigger its Article 5 only in the event of a direct attack, he reminded the media outlet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured the Russian Defense Ministry at a board meeting on December 19, 2023 that Moscow was never going to attack NATO countries in the past nor does it intend to in the future. Seeking to be the masters of the situation on the European continent, the Americans keep frightening the Europeans with the Russian threat, Putin pointed out. In his state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly, the parliament, on February 29, the Russian leader dismissed allegations that Russia might attack Europe as “nonsense.”.

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Media Freedom

Kingdom of Bahrain – Meeting of ancient civilizations 

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

From February 27 to March 2, 2024, a delegation from Russia visited the Kingdom of Bahrain. Representative of the Russian Parliament – the State Duma of the Russian Federation H. E. Andrey Svintsov, President of the International Diplomatic Club “Amicability” and Director of Communications at BCMF (BRICS Cultural Media Forum) Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, international entrepreneur, philanthropist, member of the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation Vladimir Pogosian and famous Russian artist Marina Romakhina discussed a number of topics in the field of cultural, educational and social interaction. The members of the delegation visited the grandiose and such a traditional show for the Kingdom of Bahrain – Formula 1. In addition, during his visit to this amazing country of the Middle East, a meeting was held with His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa – President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities.

During a deep and productive conversation with His Excellency at the Bahrain Post Museum, Vladimir Pogosian, who is a recipient of the Charles Aznavour Gold Medal, addressed Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa with an offer of cooperation with Armenian artists and sculptors. Vladimir Pogosian, official representative of the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation, which is headed by Khachik Abrahamyan, Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences (Hanover, Germany). Vladimir Pogosian also presented to His Excellency the works of the famous Armenian sculptor Garegin Davtyan, in particular his unique work done in bronze – the monumental and epic figure of His Majesty on horseback. Garegin Davtyan is the recipient of many international awards, including he was awarded by “The Grand Gold Medal” of Pope John Paul II for the sculpture “The Sin of Avarice”. 

The President of the international diplomatic club “Amicability” Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, participating in the discussion, proposed a special format of cultural interaction for the Kingdom of Bahrain called “Meeting of ancient Civilizations”. This concept involves an appeal through art to ancient traditions, roots, and the history of friendly relations between different peoples. 

As a result of the conversation, it was decided to prepare a representative delegation of Armenian sculptors and artists, led by artist Khachik Abrahamyan and sculptor Garegin Davtyan

, for a visit to Bahrain within the framework of the “Meeting of Ancient Civilizations” project in order to exchange artistic experience and in preparation for the International Sculpture Symposium to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

H. E. Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa asked Mr. Vladimir Pogosian to prepare an official letter for the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities from the Armenian Fine Arts Foundation. 

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Sergei Dvorianov presented H. E. Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Al-Khalifa with a gift from the Mayor of Grozny Khas-Magomed Kadyrov and invited His Excellency to the Chechen Republic, where the BRICS International Forum “Spiritual Leadership and Creative Economy” will be held from April 25 to 27, 2024. We hope that the project “Meeting of ancient Civilizations” will become a bright new page in the history of art and the spiritual evolution of mankind.

(Ingrid Kim)

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NATO and Norway

NATO does not currently see military threat from Russia — Secretary General

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

NATO does not currently see any military threat from Russia against the bloc’s member-states, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Brussels.

“We don’t see any imminent military threat [from Russia] against any NATO ally,” he said, answering a relevant question from journalists.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
© AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Nevertheless, Stoltenberg stressed that NATO must be prepared for threats from Russia and stay vigilant. In his opinion, at present Moscow does not threaten the alliance due to the fact that it is preoccupied with Ukraine.

On Monday, Sweden’s flag was officially hoisted at the NATO headquarters in Brussels following its accession to the alliance. Sweden became NATO’s 32nd member.

© Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said that there is no sense for NATO to deny the presence of its forces in Ukraine.

“No point in denying it any longer,” she told the Izvestia newspaper, commenting on Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski’s statement.

Earlier, Sikorski told a conference on the 25th anniversary of Poland’s NATO membership that the NATO military are already in Ukraine. He did not say however which country these troops are from.

After a conference on Ukraine in Paris on February 26, Macron said that the participants had considered sending ground troops to Ukraine. Although no consensus was reached on this topic, he left the door open to such a scenario in the future. After the conference, most of the participating counties stated that they have no plans to send troops to Ukraine to fight against Russia.

Commenting on Macron’s statements, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that a direct military conflict between NATO and Russia will be inevitable if Western troops are sent to Ukraine. He also said NATO countries “should also assess” the consequences of such actions and be aware of them.

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Defence

SAS and Armed Forces ink deal for air evacuation

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

SAS and the Norwegian Armed Forces have signed a new agreement for strategic air evacuation, ensuring continued capacity using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. The deal, comprising a cooperation agreement for designing an A320neo-based solution and an operational assignment agreement, replaces the current aircraft and will be effective from 2025.

SAS Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, expressed gratitude for the selection, highlighting the A320neo’s next-generation features and lower emissions. The A320neo, capable of being converted into a flying hospital, boasts 18% lower CO2 emissions and 30% less noise, providing a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew.

The agreement strengthens the strategic evacuation capacity for the future, allowing the Norwegian Armed Forces to repatriate civilians and military personnel, including intensive care patients, worldwide. Brigadier General Anders Jernberg, Commander of the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation, emphasised the unique collaboration between private business and the Armed Forces, creating a total defence capacity. The Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services will play a pivotal role in the medical evacuation operation, contributing professional expertise for the new aircraft.

The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation acts as the contract partner on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces, solidifying the collaboration’s significance for national and international operations.

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NATO and Norway

Sweden to join NATO on March 7 — White House

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Sweden will officially become a NATO member on Thursday, March 7, according to a statement published on the White House website.

“Sweden is formally joining the NATO Alliance on March 7, 2024, becoming the 32nd Ally,” the statement said.

Photo: Thomas Nilsson/TT / TT Nyhetsbyrån / NTB

According to the US Department of State, at 7:15 p.m. Moscow time (4:15 p.m. GMT), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

As reported earlier, Sweden’s flag will be raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday, March 11.

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NATO and Norway

NATO is not, will not be party to conflict in Ukraine — Scholz

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that NATO is not and will not become a party to the conflict in Ukraine.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz
© Sergey Guneyev/POOL/TASS

“NATO is not – and will not be – a party to the war. It will continue to be this way,” Scholz said in a video posted to his X page. “We do not want Russia’s war against Ukraine to turn into a war between Russia and NATO. We agree on this with all our allies.”

“This also means: no German participation in the war!” the chancellor went on to say.

“And I will say clearly: as German chancellor, I will not send Bundeswehr soldiers to Ukraine. This is something our servicemen can rely on. And you can rely on it,” Scholz said.

He said that Germany, together with partners and allies, is increasing its support for Kiev. Most of all, he said, the Ukrainian military currently needs ammunition and weapons, especially for air defense.

“I have discussed this intensively with our partners over the last few weeks. Many have realized this,” the chancellor said.

No attendees of the meeting in Paris on February 26 showed support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s opinion that sending Western troops to Ukraine can’t be ruled out, Germany’s government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told reporters on Wednesday. He said Scholz was skeptical about the idea.

The meeting in Paris was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and the prime ministers of about 20 other EU countries. The US was represented by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien, and the UK by Foreign Minister David Cameron. Some of France’s key allies have already expressed their opposition to sending troops to Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the presence of Western troops in Ukraine in any form would escalate the conflict.

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Environment

Helicopter crash lands in ocean off Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

A helicopter carrying six people crash landed in the ocean off the coast of western Norway on Wednesday (Feb 28), and all those on board were later hoisted from the sea, the country’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centres said.

PHOTO: Unsplash

Haukeland University Hospital, the region’s largest, said it had received all six patients from the accident but that their medical condition was unclear at the moment.

The helicopter belonged to Bristow Norway, the company’s country manager, Heidi Wulff Heimark, told daily Stavanger Aftenblad.

Energy group Equinor said the helicopter was a search and rescue aircraft normally serving platforms at the company’s Oseberg oil and gas field in the North Sea.

The helicopter was a Sikorsky S-92 model and was on a search and rescue training mission at the time of the accident, a police spokesperson told reporters, adding it was too early to say what had caused the crash.

“We are aware of the incident and stand ready to support the investigaotive authorities and our customer. Safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin.

The area had been experiencing high winds at the time of the accident, a rescue service official told broadcaster TV2.

Air traffic data showed several rescue helicopters circling in the air near an island west of Bergen, Norway’s second biggest city and a busy hub for the Norwegian offshore oil and gas industry.

In 2016, an Airbus Super Puma helicopter returning from the North Sea crashed in roughly the same area, killing all 13 people aboard.

The accident led to the suspension of the use of that type of helicopter by the Norwegian oil and gas industry.

Source: Reuters

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China and Norway

Norwegian PM says to deepen cooperation with China

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Wednesday voiced his administration’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with China in various areas such as energy and climate change.

“We want to have a broad set of cooperation with China. We have a number of areas where we bilaterally can enhance cooperation,” Store said in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the Kirkenes Conference, a significant yearly fixture in Northern Norway.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store delivers his speech at the Kirkenes Conference in Kirkenes, Finnmark County, Norway, Feb. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Highlighting China’s global influence, he said that with its role in the world economy, China is a country Norway must work with in order to deal with energy issues, climate change issues and also big issues concerning peace and security.

Located within the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes serves as the central hub of the Sor-Varanger municipality in Finnmark county, Northern Norway.

First held in 2008, the Kirkenes Conference endeavors to shed light on various developmental facets within Northern Norway and its adjacent regions, touching upon political, business and social progress.

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Media Freedom

Norway to facilitate transfer of funds to Palestinian Authority

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway has agreed to help facilitate the transfer of frozen tax funds earmarked for the Palestinian Authority (PA) that were collected by Israel, the Norwegian government said on Sunday (Feb 18), providing vital funding to the Western-backed entity.

Under interim peace accords reached in the 1990s, Israel’s finance ministry collects tax on behalf of the Palestinians and makes monthly transfers to the PA, but a dispute broke out over payments in the wake of the Oct 7 attack by Hamas.

Jonas Gahr Støre attending a NATO summit in 2022. Photo: Gints Ivuskans / Shutterstock.com.

The temporary solution will allow payments to resume and prevent a financial collapse for the PA, enabling it to pay salaries and provide essential services such as schools and healthcare, Norway said.

“This is critical to promoting stability in the region and for the Palestinian Authority to have legitimacy among its people,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said.

Under the solution agreed with Israel and Palestinian officials, Norway will serve as an intermediary for holding revenues that Israel has withheld since Oct 7.

“The Palestinian Authority is then willing to accept the other funds,” Norway said.

The portion of the revenue Norway will keep equals the portion that Israel estimates for Gaza, said a Norwegian foreign ministry spokesperson.

Accessing the revenue is key to the survival of the PA, which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Several Western countries, including the United States, also want the PA to play a role in the administration of the Gaza Strip should the war come to an end.

On Nov 2, Israel said it would proceed with a tax revenue transfer to the PA in the West Bank but would withhold funds bound for Gaza, ruled by Hamas but where the PA helps cover public sector wages as well as medicine and social assistance programmes.

But on Nov 6, the PA said it wanted the money in full and would not accept conditions that prevent it from paying its staff. It is estimated to spend some 30per cent of its budget in Gaza.

On Jan 21, Israeli officials said the Israeli cabinet had approved a plan for frozen tax funds earmarked for the Gaza Strip to be held by Norway instead of transferred to the PA.

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Africa and Norway

Tanzania President Samia woos Norwegian investors

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday took her pro-business approach to Norway, detailing several factors why Norwegian investors should consider Tanzania as their investment destination of choice.

Addressing a forum involving Tanzanian and Norwegian businessmen and investors in Oslo, Presidnt Samia emphasised Tanzania’s burgeoning economic landscape, citing projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that earmark the nation to be among the 20 fastest-growing economies worldwide in 2024.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for Norwegian investors to partake in our nation’s economic journey,” she remarked.

Highlighting Tanzania’s political stability, Samia underscored the country’s democratic framework, characterised by a multi-party system and commitment to principles of good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

“Geographically endowed with strategic advantages, Tanzania boasts the ports of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara and Tanga, which are pivotal gateways to several neighbouring African countries,” she assured the investors.

She also expounded on this geographical advantage, emphasising the port’s pivotal role in facilitating trade and commerce across the region.

“Our strategic location positions Tanzania as a hub for investment and trade, offering unparalleled access to regional markets,” she said.

Economically, she painted a picture of stability and resilience, citing the country’s economic policies and a projected GDP growth rate surpassing six percent next year, as it was before Covid-19.

She also outlined five key areas ripe with opportunities. These encompassed renewable energy, agriculture, oil and gas, investment funds, and infrastructure and transportation.

Data shows Tanzania remains one of Norway’s 10 partner countries for long-term development, according to information posted on the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s website in Dar es Salaam.

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Environment

Electric bus operation within the Arctic Circle

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The performance of battery-electric buses in harsh weather conditions has always been an issue to be observed and discussed, and just recently a number of news articles in the press did not really help to calm these concerns. Several electric bus manufacturers around the world have undertaken comprehensive tests with its vehicles under such strong winter conditions.

Norway seems to offer an ideal environment for such test operation. One-third of its territory is located within the Arctic Circle, featuring complex environment and harsh climate. Especially in its northern areas, including places like Kirkenes, where low temperature, ice and snow dominate for nearly half the year, the environment is nothing short of a rigorous performance testing ground for battery electric vehicles.

Kirkenes – Yutong U12

Just recently, a battery electric bus of the Chinese manufacturer Yutong underwent an extreme cold challenge in Kirkenes. Yutong communicates that In a live test of 105 km, its 12-metre e-bus model U12 with a battery capacity of 422kWh showed a power consumption of 1.56 kw/km in an ice and snow environment in Kirkenes where the temperature was -33°C. The vehicle got a special preparation for the ice and snow environment and low temperature of Norway’s climate. In order to meet the special requirements for anti-corrosion performance of vehicles in highly humid and seriously melting snow salt environments, Yutong adopts enhanced anti-corrosion technologies for core components such as the vehicle’s bearing structure and chassis frame, as well as corrosion-prone bottom areas. This measure ensures that no structural corrosion will occur during the full life cycle of the vehicle. Yutong also provides comprehensive chassis protections to prevent critical chassis parts and components from wear in harsh road conditions. All such measures are aimed at meeting the operation requirements for vehicles in a polar environment and ensuring the safe travel of residents in polar regions.

The battery of Yutong’s liquid cooling system can provide 24-hour safety monitoring. The IP68 protection system for battery, motor and electric control avoids safety accidents caused by short-time wading of vehicles. Intelligent functions, such as remote air conditioning scheduling and remote fault diagnosis, provide great convenience for the daily operation of end customers.

Since 2020, operators in Norway purchased a total of 331 Yutong battery electric buses up to now.

A similar challenges under extreme cold conditions was done on January 21, 2024, when Yutong and the No.1 Bus Company of Astana challenged the driving range of Yutong’s articulated e-bus E18PRO in Kazakhstan. In the test, the bus started with SOC of 100% and heating inside turned on for the whole process to pick up and drop passengers normally at stations, and the test ended when SOC reached 5%. Finally, the driving range of 374 km was achieved after 16 hours of operation at -25°C.

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Environment

Airbus to study hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden, Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Aircraft maker Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) and a number of partners, including Swedish state-owned utility Vattenfall AB, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden and Norway.

The companies, also including Norwegian airport operator Avinor, Scandinavian airline SAS and Swedish airport operator Swedavia, will conduct a one-year feasibility study covering more than 50 airports across the two countries, it was announced on Wednesday.

Image by Airbus

The project will help select which airports in both countries will switch to operating hydrogen-powered aircraft as well as the related regulatory framework. The partners aim to use their respective expertise to aid the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.

“We look forward to contribute with expertise in electricity market development, electrical infrastructure, and hydrogen production in Sweden,” said Vattenfall President and CEO Anna Borg.

According to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, hydrogen stands out as a key enabler of a sustainable aviation future. “Norway and Sweden are among the most demanding regions for aviation and have great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources,” Faury remarked.

Airbus has the ambition to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. It has also launched a programme to kickstart research into infrastructure needs and low-carbon airport operations.

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Economics

Moldova to receive 35 million euros on behalf of Norway to buy natural gas

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The government today approved the fiscal and customs facilities for the use by the Energocom company of a grant worth 35 million euros, provided by the government of Norway through the NANSEN programme, as well as of an additional installment of loan amounting to 165 million euros, provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).      

Any material published on the website of the Public Institution ’’A.I.S. Moldpres’’ (Moldpres News Agency) is intellectual peoperty of the Agency, protected by the copyright. The taking over or/and use of these materials will be made only with the Agency’s agreement and with compulsory reference to source.

The money will be used for the procurement of natural gas and will contribute to the decrease in the purchasing price of the natural gas and, respectively, to the reduction of the financial burden on the end consumers.  

The EBRD’s loan is of the Revolving type, i.e. the means can be used up to three times. The fiscal facilities provided will allow that the taxes on import and the value added tax (VAT) not to be added to the final price of the gas purchased and delivered by the Energocom stock company. This eventually ensures that these costs are not included in the tariffs for natural gas borne by the end consumers.  

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