Neale Richmond
Question:186. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Norway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37679/20]
View answerThursday, 19 November 2020
Questions (186)
Written answers
Ireland and Norway enjoy excellent bilateral political and economic relations. Norway is a key partner across a wide range of key issues, including on energy, climate change and the environment. We also enjoy strong co-operation with Norway through our joint membership of the European Economic Area.
The two countries share a strong commitment to multilateralism and in contributing to international peace and development. Having previously served together on the UN Security Council in 2001-2002, Ireland and Norway will again serve together on the Council for the upcoming 2021-2022 term. Ireland’s approach at Council will be informed by our core principles of building peace, strengthening prevention, and ensuring accountability. It is intended to work together with Norway to promote and defend human rights, to address the humanitarian aspects of conflict, and to bridge divisions at Council. The respective UN Security Council teams in Dublin and Oslo are in close contact.
In terms of the economic relationship, Norway is an important market for Irish goods and services, with total trade worth €3.6 billion in 2018.
My Department is in the final stages of completing the Nordic Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive framework for deepening our bilateral and multilateral engagement with the Nordic countries, including Norway, over the next five years. We will work with the Nordic countries in international fora towards a safer, more just and sustainable future, and to underpin international peace and security and the rules-based international order. The Strategy also envisages a deeper trading and research relationship with the region.