natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
We acknowledge the fact that we are supporting a state and elected representatives who have different views on society and culture to us.
We acknowledge the fact that we are supporting a state and elected representatives who have different views on society and culture to us.
We are not trying to impose any particular set of values or political standpoints.
We are not trying to impose any particular set of values or political standpoints.
We are supporting the aspirations of a nation and its people to develop a society that will be a valuable and accountable member of the world community.
We are supporting the aspirations of a nation and its people to develop a society that will be a valuable and accountable member of the world community.
A society that is based on the values that this nation has chosen as a member of the UN and a responsible state.
A society that is based on the values that this nation has chosen as a member of the UN and a responsible state.
No more, no less.
No more, no less.
Meanwhile, as part of the process towards meeting these aspirations, Afghanistan will need to take crucial steps towards reconciliation.
Meanwhile, as part of the process towards meeting these aspirations, Afghanistan will need to take crucial steps towards reconciliation.
There can be no sustainable peace without it.
There can be no sustainable peace without it.
But this depends on the efforts of the Afghans.
But this depends on the efforts of the Afghans.
And this is not something that we – Western countries – can “fix”.
And this is not something that we – Western countries – can “fix”.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for attending this conference.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for attending this conference.
A special thanks to the organisers, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs – NUPI, and the newly established Norwegian Peacebuilding Centre – NOREF.
A special thanks to the organisers, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs – NUPI, and the newly established Norwegian Peacebuilding Centre – NOREF.
From Coherent Policy to Coordinated Practice: Are We Delivering Coherently in Afghanistan?
From Coherent Policy to Coordinated Practice: Are We Delivering Coherently in Afghanistan?
Paris, 12 June 2008
Paris, 12 June 2008
- Norway has for quite some time advocated a step change in the civilian and political assistance to Afghanistan.
- Norway has for quite some time advocated a step change in the civilian and political assistance to Afghanistan.
Norway itself is stepping up significantly.
Norway itself is stepping up significantly.
Afghanistan today must be measured not only on present day performance, but against the depth from which the country has risen.
Afghanistan today must be measured not only on present day performance, but against the depth from which the country has risen.
Historically, Afghanistan has been difficult to govern and impossible to conquer.
Historically, Afghanistan has been difficult to govern and impossible to conquer.
The character and pride of its people took shape in a rugged landscape.
The character and pride of its people took shape in a rugged landscape.
Together with the Afghan people and Government, we are engaged in a new struggle.
Together with the Afghan people and Government, we are engaged in a new struggle.
A struggle to help Afghanistan to break out of decades of war, Taliban oppression and poverty.
A struggle to help Afghanistan to break out of decades of war, Taliban oppression and poverty.
A struggle to honour and build on the mutual promises made in Bonn six years ago and those made in London two years ago.
A struggle to honour and build on the mutual promises made in Bonn six years ago and those made in London two years ago.
Norway has for quite some time advocated a step change in the civilian and political assistance to Afghanistan.
Norway has for quite some time advocated a step change in the civilian and political assistance to Afghanistan.
We are increasing our assistance by nearly 40 per cent compared with last year, to a level of about EUR 100 million this year.
We are increasing our assistance by nearly 40 per cent compared with last year, to a level of about EUR 100 million this year.
And we intend to keep it at that level during the five-year time frame of the present Afghanistan National Development Strategy.
And we intend to keep it at that level during the five-year time frame of the present Afghanistan National Development Strategy.
We intend to maintain a significant military presence as well.
We intend to maintain a significant military presence as well.
Today we have 670 personnel in the country, including special forces in the Kabul region and our PRT in Faryab province.
Today we have 670 personnel in the country, including special forces in the Kabul region and our PRT in Faryab province.
Our goal is that the people of Afghanistan should be able to meet the future with more hope and greater expectations.
Our goal is that the people of Afghanistan should be able to meet the future with more hope and greater expectations.
And that coming generations will thrive in their country, unleashing the full potential of all its people.
And that coming generations will thrive in their country, unleashing the full potential of all its people.
That is the future I hope we are approaching, step by step.
That is the future I hope we are approaching, step by step.
And today’s conference tells me that we have a new deal with the Government and people of Afghanistan.
And today’s conference tells me that we have a new deal with the Government and people of Afghanistan.
Norway fully agrees with the Afghan Government that more of the external funds should be channelled through the Afghan authorities, in order to increase national control.
Norway fully agrees with the Afghan Government that more of the external funds should be channelled through the Afghan authorities, in order to increase national control.
Norway is a strong supporter of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), and over the years about half of all Norwegian assistance has been channelled through the fund.
Norway is a strong supporter of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), and over the years about half of all Norwegian assistance has been channelled through the fund.
Norway will promote Afghan ownership.
Norway will promote Afghan ownership and less earmarking.
I am confident that President Karzai and his government know well what we expect.
I am confident that President Karzai and his Government are well aware of our expectations.
We are heartened that the UN now has a more robust mandate, and that the leaders of the world seem to have trust in (UN Special Representative for Afghanistan) Mr Eide and his ability to coordinate the efforts of the international community.
We are heartened that the UN now has a more robust mandate, and that the leaders of the world seem to have trust in (UN Special Representative for Afghanistan) Mr Eide and his ability to coordinate the efforts of the international community.
It is for us, the donor countries and organisations, to let ourselves be coordinated.
It is for us, the donor countries and organisations, to let ourselves be coordinated.
Let us pledge to stand behind Mr Eide and facilitate his demanding task.
Let us pledge to stand behind Mr Eide and facilitate his demanding task.
Let us work through the UN in New York to ensure that UNAMA has the people and the power it needs.
Let us work through the UN in New York to ensure that UNAMA has the people and the power it needs.
Without further delay.
Without further delay.
The Government of Afghanistan has promised reform.
The Government of Afghanistan has promised reform.
Increasingly, it is taking ownership of its own development.
Increasingly, it is taking ownership of its own development.
It is building the Afghan state, enhancing capacity at national and provincial level, setting priorities.
It is building the Afghan state, enhancing capacity at national and provincial level, setting priorities.
Some will be presented here today.
Some will be presented here today.
Some are proposed in the Nordic position paper distributed last week.
Some are proposed in the Nordic position paper distributed last week.
We expect the Afghan Government to rid the system of corruption as financial support increases.
We expect the Afghan Government to rid the system of corruption as financial support increases.
Because together, we must avoid donor fatigue.
Because together, we must avoid donor fatigue.
We must stay on course.
We must stay the course.
It is therefore important to ensure the rule of law, and that all citizens enjoy due process.
It is therefore important to ensure the rule of law, and that all citizens enjoy due process.
And that the role of women in society is enhanced, for which there are a number of good arguments, including macro-economic reasons.
And that the role of women in society is enhanced, for which there are a number of good arguments, including macro-economic reasons.
It is essential to ensure that the elections to be held in 2009 and 2010 are free and fair, and that democracy is consolidated for all Afghans.
It is essential to ensure that the elections to be held in 2009 and 2010 are free and fair, and that democracy is consolidated for all Afghans.
There is good news that more regions have been cleared of poppy.
There is good news that more regions have been cleared of poppy.
Poppy-growing is a cancer in Afghan society, and the derived products are killing young people in all of our countries.
Poppy-growing is a cancer in Afghan society, and the derived products are killing young people in all of our countries.
Also in Afghanistan.
Also in Afghanistan.
We will fight drug barons, and so must you.
We will fight drug barons, and so must you.
Nothing would delight us more than to see Afghanistan take full charge of its own destiny, and to see it become self-reliant.
Nothing would delight us more than to see Afghanistan take full charge of its own destiny, and to see it become self-reliant.
My country has made a commitment to the people of Afghanistan.
My country has made a commitment to the people of Afghanistan.
To the little boys and girls who go to school.
To the little boys and girls who go to school.
We are committed to working with other donors, the World Bank, the other Nordic countries and the Government of Afghanistan, to ensure that more of our aid is channelled through Afghan authorities.
We are committed to working with other donors, the World Bank, the other Nordic countries and the Government of Afghanistan, to ensure that more of our aid is channelled through Afghan authorities.
That is why the commitments made by President Karzai and the Government of Afghanistan made here today are so important to us.
That is why the commitments made by President Karzai and the Government of Afghanistan made here today are so important to us.
The International Afghanistan Support Conference
The International Afghanistan Support Conference
Common Cause, Different Approaches: the Petroleum Sector and Economic development in Nigeria
Kinas engasjement i Afrika og utviklingen av et trilateralt ekspertsamarbeid mellom Norge, Kina og Nigeria
I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the emerging dialogue between Norwegian and Chinese experts on Africa, which this meeting is a good example of, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at a seminar in Beijing.
Dette var noe av bakteppet for utenriksminister Støres tale på et seminar i Beijing.
It is a great pleasure for me to address this trilateral seminar on different approaches to the common cause of promoting economic development in Nigeria.
It is a great pleasure for me to address this trilateral seminar on different approaches to the common cause of promoting economic development in Nigeria.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the emerging dialogue between Norwegian and Chinese experts on Africa, which this meeting is a good example of.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the emerging dialogue between Norwegian and Chinese experts on Africa, which this meeting is a good example of.
The Norwegian Government recently launched a China Strategy.
The Norwegian Government recently launched a China Strategy.
The strategy emphasises the new role China is playing in the world community and shows how the growing economic and geopolitical importance of the East-Asian region presents both opportunities and challenges for Norway.
The strategy emphasises the new role China is playing in the world community and shows how the growing economic and geopolitical importance of the East-Asian region presents both opportunities and challenges for Norway.
We are all aware that China’s advance from the economic periphery of the world into the core group of the world’s leading economies will impact on the developing world, including many African countries, in a number of ways.
We are all aware that China’s advance from the economic periphery of the world into the core group of the world’s leading economies will impact on the developing world, including many African countries, in a number of ways.
China’s growth rate and its demand for natural resources will reshape the world economy.
China’s growth rate and its demand for natural resources will reshape the world economy.
China’s development will provide competition and opportunities across the board – for the rich economies of the North and for the emerging and the poor economies in the developing world.
China’s development will provide competition and opportunities across the board – for the rich economies of the North and for the emerging and the poor economies in the developing world.
And with China’s growth and expansion the country bears increasing responsibility beyond its own borders.
And with China’s growth and expansion the country bears increasing responsibility beyond its own borders.
China’s new strategic partnership with Africa – which was unveiled in Beijing at the November 2006 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) – marked a new and historic juncture in China-Africa relations.
China’s new strategic partnership with Africa – which was unveiled in Beijing at the November 2006 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) – marked a new and historic juncture in China-Africa relations.
China is now Africa’s third largest commercial partner after the United States and France, and the second largest exporter to Africa after France.
China is now Africa’s third largest commercial partner after the United States and France, and the second largest exporter to Africa after France.
Africa is also undergoing change.
Africa is also undergoing change.
The continent is becoming an increasingly important international actor – both politically and economically.
The continent is becoming an increasingly important international actor – both politically and economically.
Africa has enjoyed higher economic growth in recent years, and five of the ten fastest growing economies in the world are African.
Africa has enjoyed higher economic growth in recent years, and five of the ten fastest growing economies in the world are African.
Still there are enormous challenges ahead.
Still there are enormous challenges ahead.
The effects of climate change threaten development and growth.
The effects of climate change threaten development and growth.
In parts of Southern Africa heavy rains are causing devastating floods.
In parts of Southern Africa heavy rains are causing devastating floods.
Robust adaptation strategies must be developed.
Robust adaptation strategies must be developed.
And although peace has been established in several African countries marked by years of war, peace is fragile, and the African continent is still a theatre of too many violent conflicts.
And although peace has been established in several African countries marked by years of war, peace is fragile, and the African continent is still a theatre of too many violent conflicts.
Norwegian and Chinese companies that invest in Africa, particularly in the petroleum sector, are directly affected by developments on the continent.
Norwegian and Chinese companies that invest in Africa, particularly in the petroleum sector, are directly affected by developments on the continent.
And they, in turn, affect the developments in Africa.
And they, in turn, affect the developments in Africa.
China has become a major contributor of foreign bilateral aid to countries in Asia, Latin America and, not least, Africa.
China has become a major contributor of foreign bilateral aid to countries in Asia, Latin America and, not least, Africa.
As a traditional donor, Norway welcomes this development.
As a traditional donor, Norway welcomes this development.
My country’s annual Official Development Assistance is close to 1 per cent of GNI, and Africa is by far the largest recipient.
My country’s annual Official Development Assistance is close to 1 per cent of GNI, and Africa is by far the largest recipient.
However, Chinese aid is sometimes a source of concern to traditional donors.
However, Chinese aid is sometimes a source of concern to traditional donors.
The question is raised whether the apparent lack of political strings attached will delay needed economic and political reform in African countries.
The question is raised whether the apparent lack of political strings attached will delay needed economic and political reform in African countries.
Or will economic development, aided by China, in itself lead to social reform?
Or will economic development, aided by China, in itself lead to social reform?
This is a topic of debate – among researchers, NGOs and the media - in Norway and many other donor countries.
This is a topic of debate – among researchers, NGOs and the media - in Norway and many other donor countries.
It is impossible to tell exactly how the Chinese engagement has an impact on development in African countries.
It is impossible to tell exactly how the Chinese engagement has an impact on development in African countries.
The effects may vary from country to country.
The effects may vary from country to country.
And it is difficult to determine how any single country’s influence leads to a specific pattern of change.
And it is difficult to determine how any single country’s influence leads to a specific pattern of change.
However, through trilateral research we will gain better understanding – based on facts and findings – of how economic growth will benefit African countries.
However, through trilateral research we will gain better understanding – based on facts and findings – of how economic growth will benefit African countries.
It is Norway’s firm position that development assistance must be combined with a broad range of measures to promote peace, good governance, human rights, gender equality, increased investment and better market access for African goods.
It is Norway’s firm position that development assistance must be combined with a broad range of measures to promote peace, good governance, human rights, gender equality, increased investment and better market access for African goods.
Economic development does not occur in a vacuum.
Economic development does not occur in a vacuum.
What are the social and political implications?
What are the social and political implications?
And what should our objectives be?
And what should our objectives be?
The international community has defined a number of values and positions, first and foremost through the United Nations.
The international community has defined a number of values and positions, first and foremost through the United Nations.
The Millennium Development Goals should be seen as common obligations for all.
The Millennium Development Goals should be seen as common obligations for all.
So then you might ask: are China’s activities in Africa having an impact on political and social developments?
So then you might ask: are China’s activities in Africa having an impact on political and social developments?
The answer is yes, of course.
The answer is yes, of course.
For example, China’s close relations with Sudan – economically and politically - are creating ties that entail both responsibilities and opportunities.
For example, China’s close relations with Sudan – economically and politically - are creating ties that entail both responsibilities and opportunities.
The gravity of the dire situation in Darfur has been stressed by the United Nation Security Council.
The gravity of the dire situation in Darfur has been stressed by the United Nation Security Council.
Few countries have better access to the leadership of Sudan than China.
Few countries have better access to the leadership of Sudan than China.
We have a right to expect that China uses its influence to persuade the Sudanese Government of its responsibility to follow the guidance of the Security Council, to make every effort to stop the mass violations of human rights in Darfur and to stop limiting the access of UN Peacekeeping troops.
We have a right to expect that China uses its influence to persuade the Sudanese Government of its responsibility to follow the guidance of the Security Council, to make every effort to stop the mass violations of human rights in Darfur and to stop limiting the access of UN Peacekeeping troops.
In 2006, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned a study from the Christian Michelsen Institute (CMI), a Norwegian think tank.
In 2006, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned a study from the Christian Michelsen Institute (CMI), a Norwegian think tank.
The institute was asked to present an assessment of the new Chinese engagement in Africa, and to identify and discuss implications for Norwegian foreign and development policy.
The institute was asked to present an assessment of the new Chinese engagement in Africa, and to identify and discuss implications for Norwegian foreign and development policy.
Norway’s development assistance and Norwegian companies’ engagement in the petroleum and energy sectors in Africa have provided us with experience and skills.
Norway’s development assistance and Norwegian companies’ engagement in the petroleum and energy sectors in Africa have provided us with experience and skills.
Both Chinese and Norwegian companies are facing political and social risks connected with their investments and involvement – both more systemic risks and risks related to people’s safety and security.
Both Chinese and Norwegian companies are facing political and social risks connected with their investments and involvement – both more systemic risks and risks related to people’s safety and security.
One approach favoured by Norway is to assist African countries with capacity-building in the civil service.
One approach favoured by Norway is to assist African countries with capacity-building in the civil service.
Better governance is a critical factor for social stability and justice.
Better governance is a critical factor for social stability and justice.
The CMI study recommends that Norway should engage bilaterally with China on some of the issues I have already mentioned.
The CMI study recommends that Norway should engage bilaterally with China on some of the issues I have already mentioned.
This should be done at the political level, with policymakers in the civil service, with policy analysts in think tanks and with Chinese business interests.
This should be done at the political level, with policymakers in the civil service, with policy analysts in think tanks and with Chinese business interests.
These are recommendations that I fully endorse.
These are recommendations that I fully endorse.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to exchange views on development in Africa with my Chinese colleague.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to exchange views on development in Africa with my Chinese colleague.
I am pleased to note that this event in Beijing today constitutes a concrete and very valuable follow-up.
I am pleased to note that this event in Beijing today constitutes a concrete and very valuable follow-up.