natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Such issues are many and they are of significance.
Such issues are many and they are of significance.
Sometimes there are only losers - or potential winners.
Sometimes there are only losers - or potential winners.
The opportunity offered to us in these times of growing interdependence is exactly the potential of maximising common interests – for Norway and Russia to explore win-win situations.
The opportunity offered to us in these times of growing interdependence is exactly the potential of maximising common interests – for Norway and Russia to explore win-win situations.
The alternative is for both of us to loose out.
The alternative is for both of us to loose out.
A prime arena for such opportunities is the High North where Norway and Russia meet as neighbours and potential partners.
A prime arena for such opportunities is the High North where Norway and Russia meet as neighbours and potential partners.
Let me first set the scene from a Norwegian perspective: The High North has been defined as a strategic priority for the Norwegian Government.
Let me first set the scene from a Norwegian perspective: The High North has been defined as a strategic priority for the Norwegian Government.
Here is why:
Here is why:
The High North – which covers the northern part of Norway and stretches into the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea and further into the Arctic - is a region undergoing a significant process of change:
The High North – which covers the northern part of Norway and stretches into the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea and further into the Arctic - is a region undergoing a significant process of change:
First, this region is experiencing dramatic effects of climate change.
First, this region is experiencing dramatic effects of climate change.
The ice is melting – the sea ice, the Greenland ice cap and the main land ice are all shrinking at an alarming pace.
The ice is melting – the sea ice, the Greenland ice cap and the main land ice are all shrinking at an alarming pace.
The High North offers a front row seat to global climate change now taking place.
The High North offers a front row seat to global climate change now taking place.
Our scientists agree that emissions of green-house gases are the main culprit.
Our scientists agree that emissions of green-house gases are the main culprit.
The long-term effects of global warming will be most disastrous in other areas of the world.
The long-term effects of global warming will be most disastrous in other areas of the world.
But it is in the High North that the changes are visible first.
But it is in the High North that the changes are visible first.
The Arctic offers a unique platform for research to better understand the dynamics of climate change.
The Arctic offers a unique platform for research to better understand the dynamics of climate change.
Then the coin has another side: As the ice is melting new sea routes open up.
Then the coin has another side: As the ice is melting new sea routes open up.
Prospects are that commercial shipping straight through the Arctic Ocean may become a reality – not in fifty years but perhaps in five.
Prospects are that commercial shipping straight through the Arctic Ocean may become a reality – not in fifty years but perhaps in five.
This could reduce the distance from European to Asian ports by as much as 40 percent.
This could reduce the distance from European to Asian ports by as much as 40 percent.
Our preparedness against oil spill, our surveillance capacity and our capabilities in the field of search and rescue are not adequate to meet this development, and will have to be up-graded.
Our preparedness against oil spill, our surveillance capacity and our capabilities in the field of search and rescue are not adequate to meet this development, and will have to be up-graded.
Norway and Russia are in this together.
Norway and Russia are in this together.
Second, this region is emerging as a new oil and gas region, a complex but potentially prospective region for new industrial activity within a fragile Arctic environment.
Second, this region is emerging as a new oil and gas region, a complex but potentially prospective region for new industrial activity within a fragile Arctic environment.
We still need to develop new technology to enable operations under Arctic conditions.
We still need to develop new technology to enable operations under Arctic conditions.
The investment costs will be considerable.
The investment costs will be considerable.
With the global financial crisis and low oil prices, there is uncertainty as to when the development of well-explored fields will start in earnest.
With the global financial crisis and low oil prices, there is uncertainty as to when the development of well-explored fields will start in earnest.
But we know the direction.
But we know the direction.
Our responsibility will be to approach these opportunities step by step – built on solid knowledge of what it takes to safeguard the fragile environment – and not least - to preserve and conserve the valuable renewable fish resources of the Barents Sea.
Our responsibility will be to approach these opportunities step by step – built on solid knowledge of what it takes to safeguard the fragile environment – and not least - to preserve and conserve the valuable renewable fish resources of the Barents Sea.
Third and finally – Norway lives next to Russia – with whom my country has lived in peace for a thousand years.
Third and finally – Norway lives next to Russia – with whom my country has lived in peace for a thousand years.
Norwegians follow Russia’s development and transformation closely – because as neighbours your development is of direct concern to us.
Norwegians follow Russia’s development and transformation closely – because as neighbours your development is of direct concern to us.
We see a broad process of a changing society.
We see a broad process of a changing society.
We see an evolving market economy.
We see an evolving market economy.
But we also struggle to fully understand where this process of societal change is actually heading, whether Russia’s new democracy will stand the test of modernity, whether transparency, accountability and the rule of law will take root.
But we also struggle to fully understand where this process of societal change is actually heading, whether Russia’s new democracy will stand the test of modernity, whether transparency, accountability and the rule of law will take root.
We follow how new individual freedoms – fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of speech – are being offered sometimes harsh conditions.
We follow how new individual freedoms – fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of speech – are being offered sometimes harsh conditions.
News about Russian journalists being killed because of their reporting is shocking.
News about Russian journalists being killed because of their reporting is shocking.
In short – addressing the developments of the High North is at the same time an opportunity, responsibility and a challenge.
In short – addressing the developments of the High North is at the same time an opportunity, responsibility and a challenge.
And it is an opportunity to deepen relations between two northern neighbours.
And it is an opportunity to deepen relations between two northern neighbours.
We need broader exchange.
We need broader exchange.
That is why I am pleased to share some perspectives on these issues here in Moscow.
That is why I am pleased to share some perspectives on these issues here in Moscow.
As the High North emerges as a region of attraction, both Norway and Russia sharpen and focus our policies.
As the High North emerges as a region of attraction, both Norway and Russia sharpen and focus our policies.
And we see how others follow suit.
And we see how others follow suit.
In a month’s time the biannual Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council will be held in Tromsø – addressing a whole range of policy issues relating to the sustainable management of the Arctic.
In a month’s time the biannual Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council will be held in Tromsø – addressing a whole range of policy issues relating to the sustainable management of the Arctic.
Just observe how the agenda of the Arctic Council has evolved over the years.
Just observe how the agenda of the Arctic Council has evolved over the years.
The Council remains a key body for initiating important studies and research.
The Council remains a key body for initiating important studies and research.
But it is also an important decision shaping institution laying the foundation for how we follow up on Arctic issues and regulations in other relevant bodies.
But it is also an important decision shaping institution laying the foundation for how we follow up on Arctic issues and regulations in other relevant bodies.
The Norwegian Government formulated its High North strategy in December 2006.
The Norwegian Government formulated its High North strategy in December 2006.
Two weeks ago we presented the building blocks for our High North policies for the next 10 to 15 years – laying out concrete initiatives developed to match the opportunities of the High North.
Two weeks ago we presented the building blocks for our High North policies for the next 10 to 15 years – laying out concrete initiatives developed to match the opportunities of the High North.
This winter the United States and the European Commission also presented policy papers with plans for an increased involvement in Arctic affairs.
This winter the United States and the European Commission also presented policy papers with plans for an increased involvement in Arctic affairs.
And these days, I understand that Russia is planning to release its own new strategy for the Arctic.
And these days, I understand that Russia is planning to release its own new strategy for the Arctic.
A key message I would like to highlight is the potential for closer cooperation between Norway and Russia.
A key message I would like to highlight is the potential for closer cooperation between Norway and Russia.
Our countries share a border of 196 kilometres.
Our countries share a border of 196 kilometres.
In 1990 there were only 3000 border crossings.
In 1990 there were only 3000 border crossings.
Today more than 100 000 people cross that border annually.
Today more than 100 000 people cross that border annually.
We have come a long way in making the border more of a bridge than a barrier between our peoples.
We have come a long way in making the border more of a bridge than a barrier between our peoples.
However, we share much more than just a border.
However, we share much more than just a border.
We share a Northern identity.
We share a Northern identity.
We are Northerners, “Severyane”.
We are Northerners, “Severyane”.
Although Russia stretches as far south as the latitude of Rome, your country – like mine - is first of all associated with the North, with long and cold winters and the whole northern periphery facing the Polar basin.
Although Russia stretches as far south as the latitude of Rome, your country – like mine - is first of all associated with the North, with long and cold winters and the whole northern periphery facing the Polar basin.
There is a real opportunity for closer dialogue, common answers, and joint action.
There is a real opportunity for closer dialogue, common answers, and joint action.
Increased cooperation between Norway and Russia – two key Arctic states will offer benefits for all.
Increased cooperation between Norway and Russia – two key Arctic states will offer benefits for all.
We must prepare ourselves for the future on several levels – national, bilateral, regional and global.
We must prepare ourselves for the future on several levels – national, bilateral, regional and global.
Norway’s national strategy has two main aspects, initiated in our strategic plan from 2006 and further elaborated in the building blocks presented two weeks ago:
Norway’s national strategy has two main aspects, initiated in our strategic plan from 2006 and further elaborated in the building blocks presented two weeks ago:
The first aspect is the guiding principles, of which there are three: presence, activity and knowledge.
The first aspect is the guiding principles, of which there are three: presence, activity and knowledge.
We will be present on the land and in the waters under our jurisdiction.
We will be present on the land and in the waters under our jurisdiction.
We will engage in the leading economic activities characteristic for the region – from fish to oil and gas, from mining to modern sea farming.
We will engage in the leading economic activities characteristic for the region – from fish to oil and gas, from mining to modern sea farming.
And we will continue to develop solid and modern knowledge bases – universities, research centres and joint ventures with international centres of excellence.
And we will continue to develop solid and modern knowledge bases – universities, research centres and joint ventures with international centres of excellence.
We are focusing on various sectors – science, research and education, the environment, resource management, surveillance, infrastructure, development of new industries such as aquaculture and marine bio-prospecting, the interests of the indigenous Sámi people and so on.
We are focusing on various sectors – science, research and education, the environment, resource management, surveillance, infrastructure, development of new industries such as aquaculture and marine bio-prospecting, the interests of the indigenous Sámi people and so on.
The second aspect of our strategy is about partnerships.
The second aspect of our strategy is about partnerships.
Our intention is to forge productive partnerships – public private partnerships, partnerships between central and local government and partnerships across borders with neighbours and allies.
Our intention is to forge productive partnerships – public private partnerships, partnerships between central and local government and partnerships across borders with neighbours and allies.
In all of these engagements we seek to develop cooperation with Russia.
In all of these engagements we seek to develop cooperation with Russia.
Foreign Minister Lavrov and I meet frequently, and on every occasion our bilateral cooperation in the North figures prominently on our agenda.
Foreign Minister Lavrov and I meet frequently, and on every occasion our bilateral cooperation in the North figures prominently on our agenda.
Lately, we have been focussing on how to promote even closer ties between the areas closest to the border.
Lately, we have been focussing on how to promote even closer ties between the areas closest to the border.
My vision is the day where none of us would need a visa to travel across the Norwegian/Russian border.
My vision is the day where none of us would need a visa to travel across the Norwegian/Russian border.
This border used to be a firm dividing line, the border fence where east met west.
This border used to be a firm dividing line, the border fence where east met west.
Now we seek to develop the Norwegian Russian border into a normal European border – in line with the border relations we enjoy with our Nordic neighbours.
Now we seek to develop the Norwegian Russian border into a normal European border – in line with the border relations we enjoy with our Nordic neighbours.
It will not happen over night.
It will not happen over night.
But we need to set the direction.
But we need to set the direction.
Recently we have made it easier to obtain multiple visas.
Recently we have made it easier to obtain multiple visas.
We are discussing different ways to facilitate greater mobility across the border of experts and workers from both countries.
We are discussing different ways to facilitate greater mobility across the border of experts and workers from both countries.
People who live in the border areas should not have to go through all the formal procedures every time.
People who live in the border areas should not have to go through all the formal procedures every time.
Education and student exchange is very valuable.
Education and student exchange is very valuable.
At any given time there are around 700 Russian students in Norway.
At any given time there are around 700 Russian students in Norway.
They are excellent ambassadors for your country.
They are excellent ambassadors for your country.
And we have Norwegian students in Russia.
And we have Norwegian students in Russia.
Our long-term ambition is to create a pool of young Russian and Norwegian specialists with professional skills and language skills, who can work just as easily on projects in both countries and promote joint economic development.
Our long-term ambition is to create a pool of young Russian and Norwegian specialists with professional skills and language skills, who can work just as easily on projects in both countries and promote joint economic development.
In the North, Norwegians and Russians are close partners.
In the North, Norwegians and Russians are close partners.
But they are also friends.
But they are also friends.
We would like to envisage a zone of cooperation encompassing territory on both sides, with favourable conditions for establishing businesses.
We would like to envisage a zone of cooperation encompassing territory on both sides, with favourable conditions for establishing businesses.
This is close to the reality a century ago when the Pomor trade and exchange took place in this vast region.
This is close to the reality a century ago when the Pomor trade and exchange took place in this vast region.
Today we discover the opportunities of such times and we approach such opportunities with a new point of departure.
Today we discover the opportunities of such times and we approach such opportunities with a new point of departure.
We should also improve our physical infrastructure on both sides.
We should also improve our physical infrastructure on both sides.
Today, if we study the map, the coastline bordering the Barents Sea offers many opportunities to serve and support future off shore activities.
Today, if we study the map, the coastline bordering the Barents Sea offers many opportunities to serve and support future off shore activities.
But the land border represents more than a physical barrier – it is also a barrier between very different administrative and political systems and traditions.
But the land border represents more than a physical barrier – it is also a barrier between very different administrative and political systems and traditions.
We need to respect such differences.
We need to respect such differences.
But we also need to consider them pragmatically.
But we also need to consider them pragmatically.
Are they restricting cooperation?
Are they restricting cooperation?
Developing the resources in the Barents Sea is a complex task.
Developing the resources in the Barents Sea is a complex task.
We know that from our own experience at the Snow White field 150 kilometres off Hammerfest.
We know that from our own experience at the Snow White field 150 kilometres off Hammerfest.
Now you are moving ahead on the Stockman field, 500 kilometres north of Murmansk.
Now you are moving ahead on the Stockman field, 500 kilometres north of Murmansk.
As you know, the Norwegian company StatoilHydro is part of the joint venture with Gazprom and Total.
As you know, the Norwegian company StatoilHydro is part of the joint venture with Gazprom and Total.
The companies are making progress.
The companies are making progress.
But we also need to prepare our bureaucratic structures for what it takes to make joint endeavours a truly common task.
But we also need to prepare our bureaucratic structures for what it takes to make joint endeavours a truly common task.
Our economic ties have been gradually strengthened over the past decade.
Our economic ties have been gradually strengthened over the past decade.
Our economic relations used to be characterized mainly by trade.
Our economic relations used to be characterized mainly by trade.
We now also see substantial direct investment.
We now also see substantial direct investment.
For this positive trend to continue, we need a steady focus on stable framework.
For this positive trend to continue, we need a steady focus on stable framework.
Investors need predictability and transparency and the stability offered by an independent judiciary.
Investors need predictability and transparency and the stability offered by an independent judiciary.
Companies need the safety from a level playing field.
Companies need the safety from a level playing field.
Deviation from such predictability hampers confidence, trust and cooperation.
Deviation from such predictability hampers confidence, trust and cooperation.
It would be wrong to hide the fact that Norwegian businessmen today follow developments in Russia with concern.
It would be wrong to hide the fact that Norwegian businessmen today follow developments in Russia with concern.
Individual business cases are attracting wide international attention – and episodes which are exposing seemingly arbitrary rules and lack of level playing field is hurting the process of further global integration of the Russian economy.
Individual business cases are attracting wide international attention – and episodes which are exposing seemingly arbitrary rules and lack of level playing field is hurting the process of further global integration of the Russian economy.
When filling our good-neighbourly relations with substance, we have been working not only top-down, but also bottom-up.
When filling our good-neighbourly relations with substance, we have been working not only top-down, but also bottom-up.
We have stressed the value of people-to-people contact.
We have stressed the value of people-to-people contact.
We have encouraged the active participation of non-governmental organisations of every kind, environmental organisations and youth organisations.
We have encouraged the active participation of non-governmental organisations of every kind, environmental organisations and youth organisations.
We frequently hear and read about obstacles for NGOs seeking to engage other NGOs.
We frequently hear and read about obstacles for NGOs seeking to engage other NGOs.
This gives rise to concern.
This gives rise to concern.
People to people relations are a key foundation for a deeper bilateral relationship.
People to people relations are a key foundation for a deeper bilateral relationship.
Then there are natural resources.
Then there are natural resources.
Our countries have access to both renewable and non renewable natural resources.
Our countries have access to both renewable and non renewable natural resources.
Nowhere in the world have two countries together, so successfully, administered so valuable fish resources.
Nowhere in the world have two countries together, so successfully, administered so valuable fish resources.
The joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission serves as an example to the whole world.
The joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission serves as an example to the whole world.
We have been conducting negotiations every year for more than 30 years.
We have been conducting negotiations every year for more than 30 years.
And every year we reach agreement on the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in the Barents Sea.
And every year we reach agreement on the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in the Barents Sea.
The result is that we have the best managed ocean in the world.
The result is that we have the best managed ocean in the world.
Licence to conduct research in each other’s economic zones is a crucial element of this cooperation.
Licence to conduct research in each other’s economic zones is a crucial element of this cooperation.
We have also been remarkably successful in reducing illegal, unreported and unregistered fishing.
We have also been remarkably successful in reducing illegal, unreported and unregistered fishing.
Working together, and with partners all around Europe, we have been able to bring them down by as much as 60 percent over the past three years.
Working together, and with partners all around Europe, we have been able to bring them down by as much as 60 percent over the past three years.