natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
We can only create a greener, more competitive and more inclusive Europe if we work together.
We can only create a greener, more competitive and more inclusive Europe if we work together.
Joint efforts will benefit us all.
Joint efforts will benefit us all.
Working Together
Working Together
Our Grants are a unique instrument in this context, given their dual objective: to contribute to reducing social and economic disparities and to strengthen our bilateral relations.
Our Grants are a unique instrument in this context, given their dual objective: to contribute to reducing social and economic disparities and to strengthen our bilateral relations.
Increased cooperation will help us to tackle European challenges.
Increased cooperation will help us to tackle European challenges.
Norwegian agencies that have considerable experience and expertise are ready to continue their engagement in various programmes.
Norwegian agencies that have considerable experience and expertise are ready to continue their engagement in various programmes.
Our goal is to include Norwegian programme partners in all programmes of special interest to Norway.
Our goal is to include Norwegian programme partners in all programmes of special interest to Norway.
We see that the exchange of knowledge and best practice goes both ways.
We see that the exchange of knowledge and best practice goes both ways.
I am pleased to note that we are also seeing a significant increase in political visits and contact with partner countries.
I am pleased to note that we are also seeing a significant increase in political visits and contact with partner countries.
Our aim is to continue to strengthen bilateral ties with all partner countries in relevant fields and at various levels: political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people.
Our aim is to continue to strengthen bilateral ties with all partner countries in relevant fields and at various levels: political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people.
The Way Ahead
The Way Ahead
The EEA and Norway Grants for the coming period still resemble the Grants as we know them from previous years.
The EEA and Norway Grants for the coming period still resemble the Grants as we know them from previous years.
However, we have revised our programme objectives and the areas eligible for support, based on evaluations, lessons learned and stakeholder consultations.
However, we have revised our programme objectives and the areas eligible for support, based on evaluations, lessons learned and stakeholder consultations.
On Friday, a six-week, web-based consultation process will be launched.
On Friday, a six-week, web-based consultation process will be launched.
We are anxious to receive your comments and those of other stakeholders.
We are anxious to receive your comments and those of other stakeholders.
Before I finish I would like to say that I hope to be able to welcome you all – in particular representatives of the Commission and EU institutions – to Norway House again in the coming months, as we will initiate a series of seminars and meetings relevant to the EEA and Norway Grants.
Before I finish I would like to say that I hope to be able to welcome you all – in particular representatives of the Commission and EU institutions – to Norway House again in the coming months, as we will initiate a series of seminars and meetings relevant to the EEA and Norway Grants.
My final message goes specifically to the representatives of all the National Focal Points here today:
My final message goes specifically to the representatives of all the National Focal Points here today:
We are looking forward to starting formal negotiations with all of you so that we can make maximum use of the funds available and further promote our bilateral relations.
We are looking forward to starting formal negotiations with all of you so that we can make maximum use of the funds available and further promote our bilateral relations.
We are ready to work together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe, and I very much look forward to doing so in the new period of the Grants.
We are ready to work together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe, and I very much look forward to doing so in the new period of the Grants.
Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe
Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe
Minister of EEA and EU Affairs Elisabeth Aspaker's speech to mark the launch of the third EEA and Norway Grants period 2014–2021 in Brussels on 25 May 2016.
EØS/EU-minister Elisabeth Aspakers tale under lanseringsseminaret av EØS-midlene 2014 – 2021 på Norway House i Brussel 25. mai 2016
Pretoria, 24 November 2009
Pretoria, 24. november 2009
South Africa and Norway have indeed had a common engagement on peace and security in Africa for many years.
South Africa and Norway have indeed had a common engagement on peace and security in Africa for many years.
Our bilateral cooperation is a key priority for Norway, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in his speech at a foreign policy seminar in Pretoria 24 November, during the State Visit to South Africa.
Our bilateral cooperation is a key priority for Norway, sa utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre bl.a. i sitt innlegg på et utenrikspolitisk seminar i Pretoria 24. november, i anledning statsbesøket til Sør-Afrika.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies Minister and Deputy Minister, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, Ambassadors, Ladies and gentlemen,
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies Minister and Deputy Minister, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, Ambassadors, Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure for me to be addressing you here today.
It is a great pleasure for me to be addressing you here today.
The issues we will discuss are important not only for this region and for Africa, but for the whole international community.
The issues we will discuss are important not only for this region and for Africa, but for the whole international community.
I am therefore glad to see that we have a wide audience here today, consisting of South African ministries and institutions, think tanks and NGOs, the diplomatic corps and media from both South Africa and Norway.
I am therefore glad to see that we have a wide audience here today, consisting of South African ministries and institutions, think tanks and NGOs, the diplomatic corps and media from both South Africa and Norway.
I am also honoured by the presence of Minister Chabane and Deputy Minister Van der Merwe representing the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
I am also honoured by the presence of Minister Chabane and Deputy Minister Van der Merwe representing the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
We are very pleased with the cooperation we have with your colleagues in the Department as well as with South African Embassies in many countries around the world.
We are very pleased with the cooperation we have with your colleagues in the Department as well as with South African Embassies in many countries around the world.
Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the University of Pretoria, through the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor, with its 101st anniversary.
Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the University of Pretoria, through the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor, with its 101st anniversary.
Your University is a key academic institution in South Africa today, with an impressive output of graduate students and research publications.
Your University is a key academic institution in South Africa today, with an impressive output of graduate students and research publications.
As His Majesty already mentioned, the presence of students from the University of Pretoria and the Wits is particularly welcome, and I look forward to a more interactive session later in the seminar.
As His Majesty already mentioned, the presence of students from the University of Pretoria and the Wits is particularly welcome, and I look forward to a more interactive session later in the seminar.
This is the second time I visit South Africa.
This is the second time I visit South Africa.
The first time was in February 1995, when I accompanied our prime minister at the time Mrs Gro Harlem Brundtland on her official visit to your country.
The first time was in February 1995, when I accompanied our prime minister at the time Mrs Gro Harlem Brundtland on her official visit to your country.
I have fond - and above all strong - memories from that visit.
I have fond - and above all strong - memories from that visit.
I had the honour and privilege to meet with your president at the time, Mr Nelson Mandela.
I had the honour and privilege to meet with your president at the time, Mr Nelson Mandela.
One of the places we went with him was to his prison cell on Robben Island – or “the Mandela University” as it was called by so many.
One of the places we went with him was to his prison cell on Robben Island – or “the Mandela University” as it was called by so many.
The experience was something I will never forget.
The experience was something I will never forget.
Today it makes me reflect on the following: This autumn in Europe, we have celebrated the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War – which gave millions of people the freedom from oppression and tyranny.
Today it makes me reflect on the following: This autumn in Europe, we have celebrated the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War – which gave millions of people the freedom from oppression and tyranny.
A few months later, on February 11 1990, another wall came down, so to speak.
A few months later, on February 11 1990, another wall came down, so to speak.
On that day Nelson Mandela was released from the Victor Verster Prison, signalling the end of apartheid – and giving millions of people their freedom from oppression and tyranny also here.
On that day Nelson Mandela was released from the Victor Verster Prison, signalling the end of apartheid – and giving millions of people their freedom from oppression and tyranny also here.
The two events symbolise that in the space of a few months the world had changed.
The two events symbolise that in the space of a few months the world had changed.
Today, South Africa is a symbol.
Today, South Africa is a symbol.
Yes, it will remain a strong message of peaceful transformation during many decades to come.
Yes, it will remain a strong message of peaceful transformation during many decades to come.
But first and foremost, South Africa is today a key international player – and a partner – which weighs in on many regional and global agendas.
But first and foremost, South Africa is today a key international player – and a partner – which weighs in on many regional and global agendas.
Democratic South Africa gives South Africa a new face and a new voice.
Democratic South Africa gives South Africa a new face and a new voice.
Both are welcome!
Both are welcome!
Norway for its part is involved in peace and reconciliation processes in various conflicts.
Norway for its part is involved in peace and reconciliation processes in various conflicts.
I believe we have shown in the past that our two countries work well together in international peace efforts – and that is something I would like to develop even further.
I believe we have shown in the past that our two countries work well together in international peace efforts – and that is something I would like to develop even further.
Not least when it comes to the topic of today’s seminar: "States in fragile environments: Common engagement for conflict resolution and development".
Not least when it comes to the topic of today’s seminar: "States in fragile environments: Common engagement for conflict resolution and development".
States in fragile environments is a rather general concept, but it covers some traits we find in many states affected by conflict.
States in fragile environments is a rather general concept, but it covers some traits we find in many states affected by conflict.
They tend to have weak state institutions; they lack legitimacy in the eyes of the public, and have insufficient control over their territory.
They tend to have weak state institutions; they lack legitimacy in the eyes of the public, and have insufficient control over their territory.
Unequal distribution of wealth and general polarisation between groups in society are also common traits.
Unequal distribution of wealth and general polarisation between groups in society are also common traits.
A strong presence of armed non-state actors presents a special challenge.
A strong presence of armed non-state actors presents a special challenge.
How do we, as the international community, engage in such situations, with a view to contributing to lasting change?
How do we, as the international community, engage in such situations, with a view to contributing to lasting change?
I will focus my introduction here on three steps I believe we must take in order to approach this issue:
I will focus my introduction here on three steps I believe we must take in order to approach this issue:
First, we must draw on existing experience of both successes and failures.
First, we must draw on existing experience of both successes and failures.
This requires broad insight into the history and political and socio-economic make up of a specific country, with a strong focus on efforts that may contribute to building a functional state.
This requires broad insight into the history and political and socio-economic make up of a specific country, with a strong focus on efforts that may contribute to building a functional state.
The need to incorporate all these elements results in a broad and challenging agenda.
The need to incorporate all these elements results in a broad and challenging agenda.
Coordination is crucial here.
Coordination is crucial here.
The UN Peace building Commission plays an important role in gathering lessons learned and developing integrated peace building strategies.
The UN Peace building Commission plays an important role in gathering lessons learned and developing integrated peace building strategies.
Norway is a key supporter of the Commission, which was established in 2005.
Norway is a key supporter of the Commission, which was established in 2005.
While the UN is best placed to coordinate aid efforts during and immediately after a conflict, the World Bank has gradually developed extensive competence in managing multi-donor funds for the coordination of long-term reconstruction and state-building efforts.
While the UN is best placed to coordinate aid efforts during and immediately after a conflict, the World Bank has gradually developed extensive competence in managing multi-donor funds for the coordination of long-term reconstruction and state-building efforts.
Norway channels considerable support to countries such as Sudan and Burundi, through such funds.
Norway channels considerable support to countries such as Sudan and Burundi, through such funds.
In Sudan, Norway has had an extensive engagement since the 1970s.
In Sudan, Norway has had an extensive engagement since the 1970s.
Norwegian support to Sudan amounts to close to NOK 700 million, roughly 900 million Rand.
Norwegian support to Sudan amounts to close to NOK 700 million, roughly 900 million Rand.
A substantial amount is channelled through the World Bank’s multi-donor trust fund, and funds are also channelled through various NGOs as well as the UN.
A substantial amount is channelled through the World Bank’s multi-donor trust fund, and funds are also channelled through various NGOs as well as the UN.
I would like to mention a specific programme, called the Oil-for-Development initiative.
I would like to mention a specific programme, called the Oil-for-Development initiative.
Contested oil resources are a major factor behind the conflict in Sudan.
Contested oil resources are a major factor behind the conflict in Sudan.
By contributing to the development of a common knowledge base in the North and the South and improving the management of oil revenues, we can help to reduce tension and prepare the ground for long-term sustainable growth, based on the country’s own resources.
By contributing to the development of a common knowledge base in the North and the South and improving the management of oil revenues, we can help to reduce tension and prepare the ground for long-term sustainable growth, based on the country’s own resources.
Together with South Africa, we are just about to start a tripartite programme that includes the Governments of South Africa, Sudan and Norway.
Together with South Africa, we are just about to start a tripartite programme that includes the Governments of South Africa, Sudan and Norway.
The objective is to train a professional police service in Sudan, with special emphasis on South Sudan.
The objective is to train a professional police service in Sudan, with special emphasis on South Sudan.
Such a civilian police service is vital for maintaining law and order in the region.
Such a civilian police service is vital for maintaining law and order in the region.
The implementing agent is the South African Police Service, which will draw on its extensive experience with other similar training programmes, including in the DRC.
The implementing agent is the South African Police Service, which will draw on its extensive experience with other similar training programmes, including in the DRC.
In Burundi, the purpose of our engagement is to support the peace process and contribute to keeping that process on track.
In Burundi, the purpose of our engagement is to support the peace process and contribute to keeping that process on track.
Up to June 2008 Norway led the UN Peace building Commission’s work on Burundi, and fully experienced the challenges of meeting expectations in terms of peace-building and ensuring sufficient resources for development.
Up to June 2008 Norway led the UN Peace building Commission’s work on Burundi, and fully experienced the challenges of meeting expectations in terms of peace-building and ensuring sufficient resources for development.
We also provide substantial budget support to Burundi, channelled through the World Bank.
We also provide substantial budget support to Burundi, channelled through the World Bank.
South Africa continues to play an important role in the peace process in Burundi.
South Africa continues to play an important role in the peace process in Burundi.
We commend the work you have done through your special envoy, and when the mandate expires on 31 December you will be able to look back on a job well done.
We commend the work you have done through your special envoy, and when the mandate expires on 31 December you will be able to look back on a job well done.
We have had the pleasure of supporting South Africa in this work, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation in our joint effort to keep the peace process on track.
We have had the pleasure of supporting South Africa in this work, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation in our joint effort to keep the peace process on track.
In Burundi, we also are also supporting dialogue and reconciliation at various levels of society.
In Burundi, we also are also supporting dialogue and reconciliation at various levels of society.
We are doing this through tripartite cooperation with the government of South Africa, and the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (AACORD) – who is present here today - is responsible for implementation.
We are doing this through tripartite cooperation with the government of South Africa, and the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (AACORD) – who is present here today - is responsible for implementation.
This is a prime example of close cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors to achieve common goals.
This is a prime example of close cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors to achieve common goals.
Let me say a few words also on another joint challenge.
Let me say a few words also on another joint challenge.
Norway has been a long time friend of Zimbabwe providing support since the liberation struggle in the 70ies – politically, financially and through people-to-people cooperation.
Norway has been a long time friend of Zimbabwe providing support since the liberation struggle in the 70ies – politically, financially and through people-to-people cooperation.
We have followed the early progress and then the tragic and comprehensive downfall – of democracy, the economy and of fundamental human rights.
We have followed the early progress and then the tragic and comprehensive downfall – of democracy, the economy and of fundamental human rights.
When the Government of National Unity was created earlier this year signalled readiness to provide support to the constructive effort of the new Prime Minister.
When the Government of National Unity was created earlier this year signalled readiness to provide support to the constructive effort of the new Prime Minister.
Now we witness considerable problems in having the agreement between the parties fully implemented and the situation is extremely fragile.
Now we witness considerable problems in having the agreement between the parties fully implemented and the situation is extremely fragile.
We welcome the fact that South Africa once more plays an important role as facilitator in this process through His Excellency, President Zuma.
We welcome the fact that South Africa once more plays an important role as facilitator in this process through His Excellency, President Zuma.
I can assure you that Norway supports the SADC mediation efforts through South Africa and are further willing to explore possibilities for joint actions.
I can assure you that Norway supports the SADC mediation efforts through South Africa and are further willing to explore possibilities for joint actions.
Second, experience has shown us that UN and other multilateral efforts need to be carried out in close cooperation with regional bodies.
Second, experience has shown us that UN and other multilateral efforts need to be carried out in close cooperation with regional bodies.
In Africa, this means the African Union as well as the regional economic communities.
In Africa, this means the African Union as well as the regional economic communities.
Cooperation and coordination between the UN and AU has been considerably strengthened in recent years.
Cooperation and coordination between the UN and AU has been considerably strengthened in recent years.
There is still considerable room for improvement, and I believe the joint operation in Darfur has taught us valuable lessons that should serve us well in the future.
There is still considerable room for improvement, and I believe the joint operation in Darfur has taught us valuable lessons that should serve us well in the future.
South Africa is an important dialogue partner for Norway on AU issues, and this has provided valuable input to our partnership with this regional body.
South Africa is an important dialogue partner for Norway on AU issues, and this has provided valuable input to our partnership with this regional body.
I hope our cooperation with the AU can be developed further, both in Addis Ababa and here in South Africa.
I hope our cooperation with the AU can be developed further, both in Addis Ababa and here in South Africa.
Norway has been a close partner of the AU since 2000, supporting organisational transformation, capacity-building and contributing to the civilian component in Peace Support Operations.
Norway has been a close partner of the AU since 2000, supporting organisational transformation, capacity-building and contributing to the civilian component in Peace Support Operations.
The Training for Peace programme is key here.
The Training for Peace programme is key here.