Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, met with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo on Wednesday to discuss NATO's future and Norway's involvement in the Ocean Shield Operation.
Norway's management of NATO's Ocean Shield Operation against piracy, the situation in Syria and other conflict areas, NATO's development, international terrorism and Europe's financial situation were all on the agenda when Fogh Rasmussen and Stoltenberg met for breakfast in the Prime Minister's residence in Oslo.
From June 6, 2013 to December 6, 2013, Norway's frigate Fridtjof Nansen will be part of the Ocean Shield Operation in the Indian Sea, aimed to help prevent and protect against piracy. Fogh Rasmussen expressed gratitude for Norway's involvement in the operation, as well as other successful operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
NATO's delegation and the secretary general arrived in Oslo Tuesday night after a trip to the north of Norway, where the focus was on the questions surounding the northern areas.
"The northern areas attract a lot of attention, and the changes happening could open up for new opportunities in the areas of energy, minerals, research and shipping," said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. He informed that Norway will continue to offer Norwegian territory and facilities as grounds for NATO's training programs.
After the meeting in Stoltenberg's residence, the general secretary attended the National ceremony that marks Norway's liberation day on May 8th and honors the war veterans.
(Regjeringen.no)
Foto: Torbjørn Kjosvold, Forsvarets Mediesenter
