Norwegian MFA reticent about statements from Russia’s Ambassador

- Well-known points of view, is the comment from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on the two interviews with the Russian Ambassador to Norway that High North News published last week.

Earlier this month two Norwegian Members of Parliament were denied visa to Russia, and less than a fortnight ago the Russian embassy in Oslo published a press statement in which they dealt some blows to the Norwegian policy towards Russia.

Both in the press statement as well as in the Facebook statement that the Embassy published on the same day the Embassy clearly expresses its view that the current Norwegian cooperation with Russia is not viable.

Last week High North News presented two articles, based on a longer interview with Russia’s new Ambassador to Norway, Teimuraz O. Ramishvili. The interview with the Ambassador is the first one following the remarkable press statement.

Ramishvili says Russia wants to restore normal neighbourly relations, and that Norway must demonstrate political wisdom and stop talking to Russia through political slogans. The Ambassador problematizes the fact that there is a lack of not only diplomatic and political dialogue, but the cooled cooperation climate also takes its toll on financial and military cooperation.

Russia is also clear about increased NATO activity near the Russian border not increasing security in Northern Europe. 

The Ambassador argues the necessity of improving the atmosphere between Norway and Russia.

- The relationship must be based on mutual respect and dialogue, Ramishvili says. He is former Ambassador to South Korea and Denmark.

High North News contacted the Press Office of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the weekend in order to get Norwegian authorities’ comment on the statements from Ramishvili and the challenges he presents.

After repeated initiatives we received the following comment from Deputy Director Kristin Enstad via email:

- The MFA has no comments to Ambassador Ramishvili’s recent statements to High North News. The Norwegian views on the themes covered in the interview are well-known on the Russian side.

High North News will in the coming days present further articles based on the interview with the Russian Ambassador. We will, among others, publish an article on how Russia regards the cooperation of the Arctic Council.