Newsletter: Difficult Neighborly Relations
This week, the High North Center for Business and Governance brought together politicians, business, education and research for a seminar to mark 30 years of Norwegian-Russian cooperation. F.V. Mayor of Bodø municipality Ida Pinnerød, regional director north of the Norwegian-Russian Chamber of Commerce Oddgeir Danielsen, rector Hanne S. Hansen at Nord University, project director Salve Dahle in Akvaplan-niva and special adviser Kristin Høiby in Norway's research seen on screen. (Photo: Hilde-Gunn Bye)
Dear reader! This week has largely been about cooperation between Norway and Russia – or rather; about the lack of platforms for cooperation. It now seems like Russia is turning its gaze away from the West to develop its own business market.
This week, the High North Center and Nord University marked the 30th anniversary for its cooperation with Russian institutions about education and research. But despite a generation of cooperation:
“The door to Russia is shutting”, says Project Director of Akvaplan-niva Salve Dahle.
During the anniversary event, State Secretary Audun Halvorsen of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they look forward to welcoming Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Tromsø in October in relation to the foreign ministers’ meeting at the Barents Council.
More foreign policy
On Monday, Norwegians hit the parliamentary election booths – that is, those who have not voted in advance. High North News Editor-in-Chief Arne O. Holm argues that Norway needs more foreign policy rather than regional politics.
“That is why the Center Party’s dive on recent polls for Northern Norway is a healthy sign”, Holm argues.
Russia looks east
We have monitored traffic along the Northern Sea route closely, and the Russian energy producer Novatek is definitely on the move.
Right now, two non-Russian cargo ships are sailing along the NSR north of Siberia in order to transport LNG modules for Novatek’s Arctic LNG2 project.
“This is the first time we are using the Northern Sea Route for our vessels”, says Director Dagfinn Thorsen of GPO Heavylift.
In addition, two of the largest energy companies in India are reportedly in talks with Novatek about acquiring ownership shares in the Arctic LNG2 project.
India’s Prime Minister says he wants to help Russia develop the Northern Sea route into an international trade artery.
The latest news is that a multinational logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates wants to build a terminal for Arctic container vessels in Vladivostok.
High North News continues monitoring activities, so hang on!
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Our best regards for the upcoming week,
Trine Jonassen,
News Editor,
High North News