natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In the early phases of Norway’s High North policy we often encountered the notion of a “race for the Arctic”.
In the early phases of Norway’s High North policy we often encountered the notion of a “race for the Arctic”.
However, this does not reflect the facts.
However, this does not reflect the facts.
The Arctic, as opposed to the Antarctic, is an ocean surrounded by land, where the Law of the Sea and the littoral states’ sovereign jurisdiction prevail.
The Arctic, as opposed to the Antarctic, is an ocean surrounded by land, where the Law of the Sea and the littoral states’ sovereign jurisdiction prevail.
This is well understood in Singapore, a littoral state in its own right, as well as a major port and flag state, which places great importance on international maritime law, including the Law of the Sea.
This is well understood in Singapore, a littoral state in its own right, as well as a major port and flag state, which places great importance on international maritime law, including the Law of the Sea.
The Ilulissat Declaration of 2008 was a seminal development.
The Ilulissat Declaration of 2008 was a seminal development.
A binding expression of the coastal states’ recognition of their obligations and responsibilities under the Law of the Sea in the Arctic – including their commitment to the orderly settlement of any overlapping claims.
A binding expression of the coastal states’ recognition of their obligations and responsibilities under the Law of the Sea in the Arctic – including their commitment to the orderly settlement of any overlapping claims.
Hence, the race metaphor is poorly suited to describe the actual situation.
Hence, the race metaphor is poorly suited to describe the actual situation.
No race for the Arctic, if understood as a race between states.
No race for the Arctic, if understood as a race between states.
I might add that most of the natural resources in the High North are uncontested.
I might add that most of the natural resources in the High North are uncontested.
All resources known to be commercially exploitable are within areas under coastal state jurisdiction.
All resources known to be commercially exploitable are within areas under coastal state jurisdiction.
To the extent that overlapping claims exist, the modern law of the sea, to which regime the coastal states have committed themselves, provides and adequate legal framework for the settlement of such delimitation disputes.
To the extent that overlapping claims exist, the modern law of the sea, to which regime the coastal states have committed themselves, provides and adequate legal framework for the settlement of such delimitation disputes.
However, there could be competition between companies seeking to position themselves for economic opportunities in the High North – but again, this is happening within the framework set by the national legislation of the Arctic coastal states.
However, there could be competition between companies seeking to position themselves for economic opportunities in the High North – but again, this is happening within the framework set by the national legislation of the Arctic coastal states.
And there could be a sense of urgency in the search for knowledge – about climate change, best practices for responsible economic activity, etc.
And there could be a sense of urgency in the search for knowledge – about climate change, best practices for responsible economic activity, etc.
That can only be a good thing.
That can only be a good thing.
Political framework equipped to deal with the challenges
Political framework equipped to deal with the challenges
Another key development is the strengthening of the Arctic Council – the only government-level circumpolar body for political cooperation.
Another key development is the strengthening of the Arctic Council – the only government-level circumpolar body for political cooperation.
The Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement of 2011 is an important development – the first legally binding agreement to be negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council.
The Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement of 2011 is an important development – the first legally binding agreement to be negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council.
Negotiations on a new instrument on oil spill preparedness and response have just been concluded.
Negotiations on a new instrument on oil spill preparedness and response have just been concluded.
Hope to be able to sign this at the ministerial meeting in May 2013.
Hope to be able to sign this at the ministerial meeting in May 2013.
Will imply a further strengthening of the Council, together with the establishment of a permanent secretariat in the Norwegian city of Tromsø.
Will imply a further strengthening of the Council, together with the establishment of a permanent secretariat in the Norwegian city of Tromsø.
Another issue of considerable interest in Asia, including Singapore, is the question of admitting new permanent observers.
Another issue of considerable interest in Asia, including Singapore, is the question of admitting new permanent observers.
There are many good reasons for admitting new observers.
There are many good reasons for admitting new observers.
Developments in the Arctic have an impact on the rest of the world, as I have just mentioned.
Developments in the Arctic have an impact on the rest of the world, as I have just mentioned.
Many non-Arctic countries have expertise, experience and knowledge that are highly relevant to the Council’s work.
Many non-Arctic countries have expertise, experience and knowledge that are highly relevant to the Council’s work.
Singapore is a case in point.
Singapore is a case in point.
As a littoral state and a major port and flag state, you have a natural interest in being active in all international maritime forums.
As a littoral state and a major port and flag state, you have a natural interest in being active in all international maritime forums.
You are a multiracial and multi-religious nation and thus have experience of working with diversity that could be relevant to the work of the Arctic Council.
You are a multiracial and multi-religious nation and thus have experience of working with diversity that could be relevant to the work of the Arctic Council.
You also have niche technology of importance for Arctic shipping.
You also have niche technology of importance for Arctic shipping.
Let me be clear: Norway has consistently been in favour of admitting new permanent observers.
Let me be clear: Norway has consistently been in favour of admitting new permanent observers.
At the ministerial meeting in Nuuk in May 2011 we reached agreement on a set of criteria for admitting new permanent observers.
At the ministerial meeting in Nuuk in May 2011 we reached agreement on a set of criteria for admitting new permanent observers.
A positive development.
A positive development.
One of the requirements for joining the Arctic Council is dialogue between the members and the applicants.
One of the requirements for joining the Arctic Council is dialogue between the members and the applicants.
There are also a range of other regional organisations, such as the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Northern Dimension, that promote dialogue and cooperation in the High North.
There are also a range of other regional organisations, such as the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Northern Dimension, that promote dialogue and cooperation in the High North.
These regional bodies have a two-pronged effect: they promote peace and stability in the region, and they are tools for pragmatic problem-solving in border areas, thereby contributing to the well-being of the inhabitants.
These regional bodies have a two-pronged effect: they promote peace and stability in the region, and they are tools for pragmatic problem-solving in border areas, thereby contributing to the well-being of the inhabitants.
To reiterate: We have the legal and political structures needed to meet the opportunities and the challenges facing us in the Arctic.
To reiterate: We have the legal and political structures needed to meet the opportunities and the challenges facing us in the Arctic.
This does not mean that there is no room for improvement.
This does not mean that there is no room for improvement.
There is still work to be done on improving preparedness, security and response in connection with economic activity in the Arctic.
There is still work to be done on improving preparedness, security and response in connection with economic activity in the Arctic.
But the fundamental framework for dealing with these issues is in place.
But the fundamental framework for dealing with these issues is in place.
The success of the “classical security policy”
The success of the “classical security policy”
However, this must not be taken to mean that security policy has no role in the Arctic.
However, this must not be taken to mean that security policy has no role in the Arctic.
On the contrary, it is security policy in a classical sense that has laid the foundation for the stability and peacefulness that today characterises the Arctic.
On the contrary, it is security policy in a classical sense that has laid the foundation for the stability and peacefulness that today characterises the Arctic.
By classical security policy I mean (among other things) a strong emphasis on NATO’s role, moving the focus of the Norwegian armed forces northwards, strengthening our operational capacity in the north.
By classical security policy I mean (among other things) a strong emphasis on NATO’s role, moving the focus of the Norwegian armed forces northwards, strengthening our operational capacity in the north.
But all this combined with constructive practical cooperation with our Eastern neighbour.
But all this combined with constructive practical cooperation with our Eastern neighbour.
This increased security presence and visibility in the Arctic is precisely what makes “the new security policy” possible – i.e. focus on environmental challenges and human security and safety.
This increased security presence and visibility in the Arctic is precisely what makes “the new security policy” possible – i.e. focus on environmental challenges and human security and safety.
And it is one of a number of factors that contribute to stability and predictability in the region.
And it is one of a number of factors that contribute to stability and predictability in the region.
The Arctic as a crossroads between Europe and Asia
The Arctic as a crossroads between Europe and Asia
The Arctic Ocean is increasingly becoming an ocean that tie together three of the most dynamic continents in the world.
The Arctic Ocean is increasingly becoming an ocean that tie together three of the most dynamic continents in the world.
A lot of the interest from Asian countries has focused on the possibility for developing new transit routes.
A lot of the interest from Asian countries has focused on the possibility for developing new transit routes.
The expected increase in shipping is mainly related to so-called destination transport within the region and to supply services to the petroleum industry.
The expected increase in shipping is mainly related to so-called destination transport within the region and to supply services to the petroleum industry.
In a longer perspective, a marked increase in transits through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is also expected, although this will start from a very low level.
In a longer perspective, a marked increase in transits through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is also expected, although this will start from a very low level.
Both an increase in the number of transits and in the size of vessels (the first super tanker transit was in 2011).
Both an increase in the number of transits and in the size of vessels (the first super tanker transit was in 2011).
By mid-October this year there were 35 transits through the NSR with one month of the sailing season still to go.
By mid-October this year there were 35 transits through the NSR with one month of the sailing season still to go.
This is already more than last year, which was generally regarded as a breakthrough season (34 transits compared with 4 in 2010).
This is already more than last year, which was generally regarded as a breakthrough season (34 transits compared with 4 in 2010).
DNV estimates that there will be around 480 transits in 2030.
DNV estimates that there will be around 480 transits in 2030.
Russia has announced its intention to develop the NSR into a major international transit route.
Russia has announced its intention to develop the NSR into a major international transit route.
New legislation on the NSR signed and expected to enter into effect early in 2013.
New legislation on the NSR signed and expected to enter into effect early in 2013.
Also plans to build more search and rescue centres along the route.
Also plans to build more search and rescue centres along the route.
The advantage of the NSR is the shorter distance (the Rotterdam–Yokohama route is 40% shorter through the NSR than through the Suez Canal), hence saving time, fuel and money.
The advantage of the NSR is the shorter distance (the Rotterdam–Yokohama route is 40% shorter through the NSR than through the Suez Canal), hence saving time, fuel and money.
However, useful to compare these scenarios to the approximately 18 000 voyages annually through the Suez Canal.
However, useful to compare these scenarios to the approximately 18 000 voyages annually through the Suez Canal.
The NSR may become an important alternative for certain types of goods, such as LNG and bulk transport (petroleum products, iron ore), but this is less likely for container transport, which requires more precision in terms of sailing time and arrival dates.
The NSR may become an important alternative for certain types of goods, such as LNG and bulk transport (petroleum products, iron ore), but this is less likely for container transport, which requires more precision in terms of sailing time and arrival dates.
Climatic conditions, insurance costs, Russia’s demand for ice breaker assistance for parts of the journey and limited search and rescue capacity are other factors.
Climatic conditions, insurance costs, Russia’s demand for ice breaker assistance for parts of the journey and limited search and rescue capacity are other factors.
For Singapore, as a littoral state of the Straits of Malacca, I would therefore not be too worried about competition from the NSR.
For Singapore, as a littoral state of the Straits of Malacca, I would therefore not be too worried about competition from the NSR.
In fact, it might bring other opportunities for your ship and oil rig builders, as has already been demonstrated by the deal for Keppel Offshore & Marine to build two ice breakers for Russia’s Lukoil company in 2006.
In fact, it might bring other opportunities for your ship and oil rig builders, as has already been demonstrated by the deal for Keppel Offshore & Marine to build two ice breakers for Russia’s Lukoil company in 2006.
There will also be greater demand for other ice class vessels, such as ice class rescue vessels and ice class floating storage and offloading units (FSOs).
There will also be greater demand for other ice class vessels, such as ice class rescue vessels and ice class floating storage and offloading units (FSOs).
As more stringent environmental demands for shipping in Arctic waters come into place with the prospective Polar Code currently being developed by the IMO, Singapore’s green technology sector could also find opportunities in reducing carbon emissions and developing more energy efficient ships.
As more stringent environmental demands for shipping in Arctic waters come into place with the prospective Polar Code currently being developed by the IMO, Singapore’s green technology sector could also find opportunities in reducing carbon emissions and developing more energy efficient ships.
Let us see this as an opportunity for Norway and Singapore, two major maritime partners, to continue to lead in the area of green shipping.
Let us see this as an opportunity for Norway and Singapore, two major maritime partners, to continue to lead in the area of green shipping.
Knowledge as the key
Knowledge as the key
This brings me to another crucial factor in the connection between Asia and the Arctic, namely knowledge.
This brings me to another crucial factor in the connection between Asia and the Arctic, namely knowledge.
My Government has defined knowledge as being at the very core of our Arctic/High North strategy.
My Government has defined knowledge as being at the very core of our Arctic/High North strategy.
The Arctic has an abundance of natural resources.
The Arctic has an abundance of natural resources.
But it is not the resources in and of themselves that is the key to value creation and economic prosperity.
But it is not the resources in and of themselves that is the key to value creation and economic prosperity.
It is the knowledge that enables us to understand, to innovate and to act.
It is the knowledge that enables us to understand, to innovate and to act.
international maritime law,
international maritime law,
sustainable resource management, and
sustainable resource management, and
technology for deep sea petroleum extraction in tough climatic conditions.
technology for deep sea petroleum extraction in tough climatic conditions.
But knowledge is not created in a vacuum.
But knowledge is not created in a vacuum.
The best knowledge emerges in partnerships – with industry, with research centres, with other countries and with regional organisations.
The best knowledge emerges in partnerships – with industry, with research centres, with other countries and with regional organisations.
This is where Asia is important.
This is where Asia is important.
Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea and India have technology and expertise in areas such as polar and climate research and green growth that is highly relevant and valuable for developments in the Arctic.
Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea and India have technology and expertise in areas such as polar and climate research and green growth that is highly relevant and valuable for developments in the Arctic.
Norway has world-leading knowledge in fields such as: ﻿
Norway has world-leading knowledge in fields such as: ﻿
Dialogue as a tool for increasing knowledge
Dialogue as a tool for increasing knowledge
Dialogue is another principle of Norwegian foreign policy – in the Arctic just as much as in other areas.
Dialogue is another principle of Norwegian foreign policy – in the Arctic just as much as in other areas.
Since 2004, dialogues on the Arctic have been initiated with a number of countries.
Since 2004, dialogues on the Arctic have been initiated with a number of countries.
These dialogues may take different forms – for example bilateral meetings devoted to the Arctic, the inclusion of Arctic issues in other meeting agendas (as has been the case with our security policy dialogue with Singapore), and public diplomacy initiatives.
These dialogues may take different forms – for example bilateral meetings devoted to the Arctic, the inclusion of Arctic issues in other meeting agendas (as has been the case with our security policy dialogue with Singapore), and public diplomacy initiatives.
This summer, for instance, we had the pleasure of having your Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, Mr Kemal Siddique, as our guest on the annual “High North Study Tour” around the archipelago of Svalbard.
This summer, for instance, we had the pleasure of having your Special Envoy for Arctic Affairs, Mr Kemal Siddique, as our guest on the annual “High North Study Tour” around the archipelago of Svalbard.
I am happy to see that he came home safely and is here today.
I am happy to see that he came home safely and is here today.
We also see that other countries and organisations, not just in Asia, take an increasing interest in the Arctic.
We also see that other countries and organisations, not just in Asia, take an increasing interest in the Arctic.
The most notable development over the past seven years is perhaps the increasing attention given to the Arctic by the Arctic states themselves – Russia, the US, Canada, and the Nordic countries.
The most notable development over the past seven years is perhaps the increasing attention given to the Arctic by the Arctic states themselves – Russia, the US, Canada, and the Nordic countries.
All these actors have formulated specific Arctic strategies/policies in recent years.
All these actors have formulated specific Arctic strategies/policies in recent years.
The EU is also increasing its focus on the Arctic.
The EU is also increasing its focus on the Arctic.
Hence, it becomes important both to expand our Arctic dialogues to new actors and to deepen them with already existing ones.
Hence, it becomes important both to expand our Arctic dialogues to new actors and to deepen them with already existing ones.
The aim of our Arctic dialogues is twofold: to shape the agenda in the Arctic, position ourselves as a major player and win respect and understanding for our views and interests in the Arctic; but also to increase our understanding of other countries’ positions in the Arctic, both to be better prepared for the emergence of the Arctic as a new geopolitical centre, and to develop concrete cooperation projects.
The aim of our Arctic dialogues is twofold: to shape the agenda in the Arctic, position ourselves as a major player and win respect and understanding for our views and interests in the Arctic; but also to increase our understanding of other countries’ positions in the Arctic, both to be better prepared for the emergence of the Arctic as a new geopolitical centre, and to develop concrete cooperation projects.
In the case of Asia, the Government has recently allocated funding to a new research project entitled “Asia’s role in the High North”, led by two of Norway’s leading foreign policy institutes (the Fridtjov Nansen Institute and the Institute for Defence Studies).
In the case of Asia, the Government has recently allocated funding to a new research project entitled “Asia’s role in the High North”, led by two of Norway’s leading foreign policy institutes (the Fridtjov Nansen Institute and the Institute for Defence Studies).
The project will look into four dimensions: the interests of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India within the fields of security policy, energy policy, polar and climate research and new shipping routes.
The project will look into four dimensions: the interests of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India within the fields of security policy, energy policy, polar and climate research and new shipping routes.
These are crucial issues for the future development of the Arctic, but knowledge is sparse as Asian ventures into the Arctic are still at early and formative phases.
These are crucial issues for the future development of the Arctic, but knowledge is sparse as Asian ventures into the Arctic are still at early and formative phases.
China has a strong polar research capacity (research station in Svalbard, transit of the “Xue Long”) and commercial interests in the natural resources in the Arctic (mining investments in Greenland)
China has a strong polar research capacity (research station in Svalbard, transit of the “Xue Long”) and commercial interests in the natural resources in the Arctic (mining investments in Greenland)
Japan, the Republic of Korea and India are building up their polar research infrastructure both in the Arctic and the Antarctica and are investing more in research on the NSR.
Japan, the Republic of Korea and India are building up their polar research infrastructure both in the Arctic and the Antarctica and are investing more in research on the NSR.
All over Asia seminars such as this one, devoted to the development in the Arctic, are appearing.
All over Asia seminars such as this one, devoted to the development in the Arctic, are appearing.
Some examples of recent developments:
Some examples of recent developments:
What does this newfound interest means for us as an Arctic state?
What does this newfound interest means for us as an Arctic state?