Consultations between the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Poland and the Kingdom of Norway, Radosław Sikorski and Espen Barth Eide

The interlocutors also raised the robustly growing Poland-Norway energy cooperation, noting the key role of Norway in Poland’s efforts to diversify its gas supplies and enhance its energy security. They also pointed out the significant prospects for cooperation in other areas, including hydrogen technology and carbon capture and storage.

The ministers expressed satisfaction over the long-standing and mutually beneficial cooperation in implementing the Financial Mechanisms.

A large Polish community in Norway is a special factor in bilateral relations. In this context, Minister Sikorski emphasised the importance of teaching the Polish language at Norwegian schools.

The two foreign ministers declared their willingness to strengthen political and economic cooperation, both bilaterally and as part of regional and international organisations.

Security and defence was another important agenda item. Norway remains one of Poland’s most important partners in this area, which is also confirmed by the cooperation between our arms industries and by the Polish armed forces’ use of Norwegian weapons.

The ministers agreed that the destabilisation of the international environment by Russia’s policies and aggressive hybrid actions demand a strong response.

Poland and Norway remain advocates of an adequate—or firm—sanctions policy. We plan to take further action towards Russia and Belarus in order to curb Russia’s ability to wage war. For the sanctions to be effective, it is necessary, first of all, to tighten them and prevent their circumvention by third countries -stressed Minister Sikorski.

Poland an Norway are determined to support Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, also in terms of energy security. The continued Russian attacks on energy infrastructure aim to destabilise Ukraine’s economy and destroy its society, potentially generating a humanitarian crisis.

Minister Sikorski also agreed with Minister Eide that improving Ukraine’s position on the battlefield is their common priority. - Ukraine needs to have restrictions on the use of the Western weapons lifted and the scale and scope of arms deliveries substantially increased. Therefore, I would like to appreciate Norway’s commitment to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and substantial financial aid packages - underlined the chief of Polish diplomacy.

The two ministers also referred to the situation in the Middle East, pointing to de-escalation as their primary goal. Norway has played a special role in global efforts to bring peace to the Middle East (Oslo Accords) and invariably highlights the need to work towards a two-state solution.

 

Photo: Barbara Milkowska/MFA