Climate change and environmental issues were the main agenda items when Nordic ministers met in Oslo to discuss how the Nordic countries can work together and learn from each other to ensure an effective response to climate-related challenges.
04/11/2007 :: The Nordic ministers Ingibjørg Solrun Gisladottir (Iceland), Carl Bildt (Sweden), Paavo Väyrynen (Finland) and Jonas Gahr Støre (Norway) met on 31 October at the House of Literature in Oslo to discuss the chosen topic: “Globalisation - how should the Nordic countries meet the challenges?”
- Global challenges, local responsibilities
The world is changing rapidly, which is leading to a revitalisation of the relations and cooperation between neighbouring countries.
“No-one lives in a place called ‘Global’. Global issues are only seen as important if they are of local significance,” Mr Støre said during the open meeting.
Exchanging expertise
The Nordic countries have different areas of expertise, and complement one another in a number of high-priority areas. This is particularly the case in relation to environmental issues, research and technology, security and issues related to the High North.
“We should not compete against each other,” said Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Paavo Väyrynen, who emphasised that cooperation between the Nordic countries is an important part of tackling the many common challenges in the region.
Historic cooperation
The Nordic countries have enjoyed close cooperation in the Nordic Council, which Finland is currently chairing, since it was established in 1952. The meeting in Oslo was part of the Council’s 59th session. The Nordic Council of Ministers has been meeting since 1971.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs