Norwegian PM Støre: Important to Be a Neighbor That Does Not Offer Surprises
Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor) at the Kirkenes Conference 2024. (Photo: Hilde Bye)
Kirkenes (High North News): "I am concerned with us sticking to deterrence and reassurance. Some say we must stop reassuring, but I profoundly disagree," said Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre during the Kirkenes Conference in Northern Norway.
"Many in Norway are worried for good reasons. But it is important to say that we should not fear a war in Norway."
That was said by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor) as he spoke for the Kirkenes Conference on Wednesday, at which the topic was the changed security policy situation and "the new north" was on the agenda.
"With that said, it is clear that we have a security policy situation in which Russia has armed itself significantly and they have gone to war with another neighboring country. This has consequences for us, as well. Therefore, the government's plan is to ensure that the current Armed Forces structure continues to deliver," continued Støre.
He pointed out that the government soon would present a new long-term plan for the Armed Forces.
"We want to build the defense that Norway will need in the coming time. Much of this will revolve around the North: that we have updated capacities at sea, that we are well-prepared for receiving allies, that we can receive and train with them, and that we have the equipment we need to meet the challenges we could face."
Reassurance entails being predictable and recognizable in the long term
Holds on to reassurance
The PM concurrently emphasized the importance of holding on to reassurance in the policy toward Russia. He also believes it is important to stand firm on the responsibility of being a neighbor who does not offer surprises.
"I am concerned with us sticking to deterrence and reassurance. Some say we must stop reassuring, but I profoundly disagree. Reassurance entails being predictable and recognizable in the long term. I believe we should be that. The deterrence must also be credible, and these things must be in a balance," he said and added:
"The Coast Guard patrols and brings in vessels that break the rules. We are also credible and recognizable in border defense and border control."
More cooperation in the Nordic region
Is our relationship with Russia permanently changed? askes moderator Siri Lill Mannes.
"I believe that is the wrong perspective. We must have a vision that we can live with Russia in the future. We do not choose our geography, but no one should think that Norway is naive – and does not read the geography we are part of."
"However, now that conditions are bad for cross-border cooperation with Russia, we must also shift the expertise we have for developing border-regional cooperation in the North to include Sweden, Finland, and Norway to a much larger degree," concluded Støre.
