Zelenskyy to hold diplomatic meetings with Norwegian politicians
photo: president.gov.ua/Office of the President
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Norway on an official visit, the country’s government announced on 20 March. The Ukrainian leader’s plane landed in Norway, where he was met by Prime Minister Jonas Har Støre.
Despite the general diplomatic format, the meeting is of strategic importance: Norway is one of the key countries supporting Ukraine both financially and militarily. Zelenskyy’s agenda is not disclosed for security reasons, but it is known that he will hold a number of meetings with the country’s leadership today.
Support from Norway: increased funding and long-term prospects
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Norway will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for self-defence and stability. He noted that all parliamentary forces in the country had recently agreed to increase funding for Ukraine.
“Norway is a firm supporter of Ukraine. We are doing our part to contribute to efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace. I look forward to having constructive discussions with President Zelensky on how Norway can best assist Ukraine in both the short and long term,” Støre said.
Key negotiations and security issues
The working meetings will be attended by senior officials of the Norwegian government, including Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Defence Minister Tore Sandvik. This indicates the multi-vector nature of the negotiations: they may concern both financial assistance and military support.
The issue of security also remains important in the context of the visit. It is known that all the details of the President’s stay in Norway remain classified, which is a common protocol during his international trips.
The results of the meeting are expected to lay the groundwork for further cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in the context of the ongoing war and Kyiv’s struggle for stability and peace.
