"A prerequisite for increased co-operation between the Nordic countries is that it adds value. On the other hand, we should not limit ourselves to the Nordic community when there are different challenges. Sometimes it is appropriate to involve other parties such as the Baltic States, Russia or other Baltic Sea states." Nordic co-operation should be seen as a complement to the EU and transatlantic co-operation," the ministers write in the article.

There has been focus on co-operation on foreign and security policy in the Nordic countries for a long time. The proposals for developing co-operation in the Stoltenberg report have been a guideline for the discussions and the proposals include: joint monitoring of the Nordic marine areas, the Nordic air space and the Arctic, as well as issues relating to search and rescue services. In addition, possible joint efforts against cyber attacks and a possible further development of the co-operation already established in the military area will be highlighted.

"The Stoltenberg report urges us to take joint responsibility for the Nordic Region and our adjacent areas. Breaches of security policies in the Nordic region obviously also have an affect on our neighbours. This is the reason we have committed ourselves to Arctic Co-operation in particular, as well as the Baltic Sea Co-operation and the Barents Co-operation. Stability in the Nordic adjacent areas is in the interests of all the Nordic countries," the ministers stated in the article.

Many people throughout the Nordic Region have been involved with foreign and security issues and during the annual meeting of Nordic parliamentarians, which took place in Stockholm in 2009, the discussions were influenced by the proposals in the Stoltenberg report. The foreign ministers took note that the discussion of Nordic foreign and defence policy was of more interest and more dynamic than it has been for many years. These statements are reinforced in relation to today's meeting in Copenhagen.

"A common value system in the Nordic countries, and our tradition of mutual understanding and informal contacts, form the basis for our possibilities to make an impact in the world around us together. An essential pre-requisite is that the Nordic foreign and security policies continue to evolve as we face the challenges in the coming decade. This is our common goal", conclude the foreign ministers.

The article was signed by Lene Espersen, Denmark, Carl Bildt, Sweden, Jonas Gahr Store, Norway, Alexander Stubb, Finland and Össur Skarphédinsson, Iceland.

Read the full article in Swedish in today's 'Sydsvenskan'

Read the Stoltenberg Report (in Norwegian)

Read One for All, All for One - Yearbook 2009

Mats Holmström
Phone +45 33 96 02 91
Email maho@norden.org