Norway targets Russian relations

Norway should take steps to increase its collaboration with Russia, despite the country's isolation from the rest of Europe, the director-general of the Norwegian research council Forskningsrådet has said.

Arvid Hallén made the comments on 19 November, following the publication of a strategy report on the Arctic region by the Norwegian government. The document highlights the importance of international cooperation on natural resources and environmental protection, and targets Russia as one of eight priority partners.

“We stand up for international law in the face of Russia’s conduct in Ukraine—these values are essential,” said Hallén. “But our ambition is to continue to cooperate with Russia where we can. Russia is an important partner for Norway, because of our common interests in the Arctic.”