Solberg assured Norwegian support to Ukraine

Prime Minister Erna Solberg meets Ukraine's President Petro PorosjenkoOslo.Prime Minister Erna Solberg meets Ukraine's President Petro Porosjenko.Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB scanpix

Prime Minister Erna Solberg assured President Petro Poroshenko that Norway has a desire for closer cooperation with Ukraine and will maintain Norwegian support to the country’s reform efforts.

The two held a joint press conference in Oslo on Tuesday.

“We have a common desire for closer cooperation. Today, we signed a joint declaration clarifying our objectives for this cooperation.”

Norway supports Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty within the recognized boundaries, the Prime Minister said when the two met the press in the government’s representation facilities in prime property.

Solberg started off by saying that it is the first time in history that a Ukrainian head of state had visited Norway.

“Ukraine is moving forward, but there is still work that needs political commitment and leadership. We maintain our support for Ukraine’s reform efforts,” said the prime minister.

She mentioned in particular that the Norwegian authorities are concerned about security in the country.

“It is essential that the Minsk Agreement remains implemented by all parties,” said Solberg, and urged Russia in particular to implement its part of the deal.

Porosjenko, who held their speech in Ukrainian, told news agency NTB earlier in the day that Russia must withdraw its troops out of Ukraine’s territory and stop its aggressive behavior.

He also thanked Norway for their support in the difficult conflict with Russia.

“I appreciate that Norway, together with Ukraine, has said that this is indeed Russian aggression against Ukraine in the 21st century in the heart of Europe. It is totally unacceptable”, he said.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today