Luxembourg, Norway Discuss Means to Strengthen Renewable Energy Cooperation

On Monday 4 July 2022, Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, made a working visit to Oslo at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt.

The working visit first provided an opportunity to take stock of the bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Norway as well as the means to further strengthen them, particularly in the field of renewable energy.

Subsequently, Ministers Asselborn and Huitfeldt had an in-depth discussion on the main current European and international issues, including in particular the war led by Russia in Ukraine and its consequences for Europe. In this context, ministers noted a broad convergence of views. Indeed, as long-standing partners, both within NATO and within other international organisations, Luxembourg and Norway share the same values ​​on a large number of issues.

The ministers had an exchange of views on the support provided to Ukraine as well as on the importance of the implementation of the sanctions against Russia. Ministers welcomed the decision taken by the Allies to pave the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO.

Regarding relations between the European Union (EU) and Norway, Minister Asselborn welcomed the fact that Norway is a long-standing and reliable partner of the EU. In this context, the ministers addressed in particular the strengthening of cooperation in the field of energy, the ecological transition, questions relating to the enlargement of the EU, the functioning of the Schengen area and the situation in terms of of rule of law.

Finally, Minister Asselborn took the opportunity of his trip to Norway to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks that struck Oslo and Utoya on 22 July 2011, as well as the one that targeted LGBTIQ people last week in a bar in the Norwegian capital.