Per Unckel, Governor of Stockholm Region, and during 2003-2006 Secretary General of Nordic Council of Ministers, is nominated for Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexander Gorchakov Medal award.

The nomination marks recognition of Mr. Unckel’s distinguished efforts in developing international cooperation, promotion of values of humanity, as well as diplomatic achievements.

As Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Mr. Unckel contributed actively to development of the cooperation with Northwest Russia.

Due to Mr. Unckel’s visionary efforts the cooperation between the Nordic Countries and Northwest Russia has increased. As Secretary General, Mr. Unckel personally initiated and participated in the development of the framework for the cooperation of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The input by the Nordic Council of Ministers to the strengthening of international cooperation in the social sphere and promotion of gender equality was particularly welcomed by the Governor of Saint Petersburg, Valentina Matvienko.

The Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation with North-West Russia was initiated in 1995 with the opening of the information office in St. Petersburg. In 2006 an information office was opened in Kaliningrad  The Nordic Council of Ministers focuses on knowledge exchange and establishment of networks between Northwest Russia and the five Nordic countries.

The Nordic Council of Ministers focuses on developing the Baltic Sea Region into a strong and competitive region as ‘The Top of Europe’.

The award ceremony takes place at 18.00 on the 10^th of February 2010 in the Marble Palace in Saint Petersburg.

Contact person: Elena Golubeva, +7-921-9338872, +7-812-3367580, The Nordic Council of Ministers Information office in Saint Petersburg

Ane Kofod Petersen
Phone +45 3396 0254
Email akp@norden.org