During Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støres visit to Ankara April 30th he, and his Turkish counterpart H.E. Mr. Ali Babacan, signed a strategy for the reinforcement of bilateral relations between Norway and Turkey. For the full text click here:
STRATEGY FOR THE REINFORCEMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS
BETWEEN
THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
1. The Foreign Minister of Norway and the Foreign Minister of Turkey
met in Ankara on 30 April 2008.
On this occasion,
- Recalling the political, economic, commercial and cultural relations between Norway and Turkey,
- Noting that Norway and Turkey have a common perspective on a wide variety of international issues and global challenges,
- Noting the existence of shared values, ideals and interests, as well as common concerns, which constitute a natural basis for a strengthened bilateral relationship and enhanced cooperation,
- Expressing their commitment to work together to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and to ensure security and stability in Europe and the world at large,
- Stressing the importance of reinforcing their cooperation in specific fields of common interest such as energy and environmental issues,
- Confirming their desire of maintaining political dialogue and holding regular consultations,
they affirmed their determination to further upgrade and diversify their bilateral relations.
2. Both countries shall give particular consideration to joint work and dialogue in the following areas:
- Economic, energy and climate issues: In particular energy supply security, climate change, energy efficiency, hydroelectric power and other forms of renewable energy.
- Political: regional issues (e.g. South East Europe, the Middle East, Afghanistan), political reform and strengthening democracy.
- Security: NATO-EU relations and ESDP, consultations on confronting common security challenges, including fight against terrorism.
- Cultural: Developing bilateral cultural relations, by encouraging cooperation at all levels, including universities, research centers and finding ways to establish closer relations between the two peoples, including tourism.
3. To reach these aims they will hold:
a) Annual meetings between the two Foreign Ministers and/or State Secretaries/Undersecretaries.
b) Regular consultations between Political Directors of their Foreign Ministries.
c) Talks between officials and experts, especially in the following areas:
- Energy and climate issues: energy supply security, climate change, energy efficiency, hydroelectric power and other forms of renewable energy.
- Regional issues (e.g. South East Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan).
- Politico-military consultations including NATO-EU relations, ESDP, disarmament and control of arms.
- Confronting common security challenges, including fight against terrorism.
- Economic and trade issues, as necessary.
- Culture.
- Consular relations, including the issues faced by their citizens living in each other’s countries.
- Cooperation in international organizations.
Each party can propose additional talks in areas of common interest where cooperation can be promoted.
Done in Ankara on 30 April 2008 in two originals in English.