Northern Dimension Partnership a model to emulate
The close cooperation between the countries of the Arctic, the Barents and the Baltic region is a source of inspiration to other regions of the world, said Norwegian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, at the Second Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum in Tromsø on February 22nd-23rd. The cooperation sends a signal to the world that the Arctic is a peaceful region, politicians state at the Forum.
- Our cooperation sends a signal to the world that the Arctic is a peaceful region governed by international rule of law, said President of the Norwegian parliament Dag Terje Andersen in his opening address at the Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum.
- Photographer
- Karin Beate Nøsterud/norden.org
At the opening of the Second Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum in Tromsø this week, Norwegian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, spoke warmly about the benefits of the Northern Dimension Partnerships between the EU, Russia, Iceland and Norway.
- The Northern Dimension Partnership contributes to European integration and the Parliamentary Forum adds new strength to this cooperation, bringing all the crucial players in the region together, he said.
- We have established something which could be exported to other parts of the world. If we look at for example East Asia they are as closely connected as we are in our region, but they lack the institutional framework to ensure integration and cooperation across borders for the benefit of all, he added.
The Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum includes, in addition to the four contracting parties in the Northern Dimension Partnership, among others the Nordic Council, the West-Nordic Council, the Baltic Assembly, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference and the Barents Parliamentary Conference, as well as representatives of the indigenous populations of the High North.
The Forum was hosted by the Norwegian parliament. The first Forum was hosted by the European Parliament in 2009 and the coming Forum of 2013 will be hosted by the Russian Duma.
- The Northern Dimension encompasses the area from the Baltic to the Arctic and there should be a good balance in the Partnership in the attention given to both. Our cooperation also sends a signal to the world that the Arctic is a peaceful region governed by international rule of law, said President of the Norwegian parliament Dag Terje Andersen in his opening address.
The Northern Dimension partnership was established in 2006 between the governments of Norway, Iceland, Russia and the EU Commission. Belarus, Canada and the United States participate as observers.
There are four partnership areas: Environmental issues, Health and social welfare, transport and logistics, and cultural affairs.
The aim of the Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum is to support and further the partnership process in the four areas involved.
Read the Conference Statement addressed to the member governments of the Northern Dimension.
Contacts
Michael Funch
Phone
+45 33960332
Email
mifu@norden.org
