Official visit of the President of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Norway
Norway is one of the global leaders in supporting Ukraine – President following the meeting with Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo
During his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to Norway and personally to the Prime Minister for global leadership in supporting Ukraine.
“Your decisions and actions are not just timely and significant, they set an example for others, an example of leadership – when it’s not just a few caring people, but a whole society that cares, and when it’s not just individual strong personalities pushing the need to help defend against genocidal aggression, but when a strong character of the entire nation is felt. Norway truly stands for freedom and normal peaceful life rules,” the President said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister, the Government and the Parliament of Norway, as well as the Norwegian society for the assistance Ukraine receives.
The leaders discussed support for Ukraine's defense, countering Russia's attempts to blockade navigation in the Black Sea, protecting Ukrainian settlements from Russian terror, and assessed the overall progress and prospects for bilateral cooperation.
The President spoke about another Russian ballistic missile strike on civilian targets in Ukraine, which resulted in more than 50 civilian casualties. Therefore, according to him, strengthening the air shield remains a critical priority for Ukraine.
“It’s the basis of life now for most Ukrainians – air defense. Norway has supported us, particularly with NASAMS systems. Norway also became the first country to adopt a long-term support program for Ukraine. And today we talked and will talk about such specific things that can save thousands of Ukrainian lives next year, as well as increase pressure on the aggressor,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
The President also emphasized the importance of the Nordic summit to be held today in Oslo.
“Ukraine truly values this format of work – Ukraine plus five. Thank you for your help in protecting our country, our people and our families," the Head of State said.
Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre assured of further assistance to Ukraine and recalled the five-year package of support for Ukraine's defense, economy and recovery. In particular, Norway is announcing additional support for Ukraine today.
"Mr. President Zelenskyy and his government must pay doctors, teachers and other workers. And we are able to provide $1 billion in aid in 2023. We are also increasing our financial and humanitarian support by almost $800 million. In addition, we can announce that we will be providing direct economic support to these critical areas from the first months of 2024 so that there will be no delay in helping the Ukrainian people," he said.
Jonas Gahr Støre said that Norway seeks to enhance the protection of Ukraine's critical infrastructure by providing additional air defense equipment. Co-financing with European partners in the defense industry is also being increased to produce more ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, Norway is introducing a winter aid package that includes food, water, and warm clothing.
"We will continue to uphold Ukraine's right to defend itself and the key principles of international law," the Norwegian Prime Minister summarized.
In Oslo, Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the second Ukraine – Northern Europe Summit
With the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the second Ukraine – Northern Europe Summit was held in Oslo.
The event was also attended by: Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson.
Addressing the leaders of the Nordic countries, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked them and the people of their countries for their solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians.
"Thank you for opening your home for our people who were forced to leave Ukraine because of the war, especially for women and children," the Head of State said.
The President of Ukraine also noted the armed support from the countries of Northern Europe and assistance with air defense.
"We understand all the challenges, but we are strong. In particular, thanks to you, your unity around Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
In Oslo, the Head of State had meetings with the President of Finland and the Prime Ministers of Sweden, Denmark and Iceland
As part of his participation in the second Ukraine-Northern Europe Summit in Oslo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of Finland and the Prime Ministers of Sweden, Denmark and Iceland.
During the meeting with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, the Head of State thanked for all defense assistance packages and readiness to increase the production of artillery ammunition for the needs of our army.
"I thank you very much, Mr. President, your team, the Government of Finland, and the Finnish people for your support," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine also expressed gratitude to Finland for sheltering Ukrainian displaced persons and warm attitude towards our people.
The heads of state coordinated their positions on the eve of the European Council meeting in Brussels and emphasized the importance of the decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sauli Niinistö discussed global political challenges and the necessary efforts to consolidate the international community.
With Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, the President of Ukraine coordinated positions on the eve of the crucial meeting of the European Council and discussed Ukraine's progress in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the EU in approving financial assistance to Ukraine and starting negotiations on our country's future membership in the European Union.
The President thanked Sweden for its significant financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, for strengthening the defense capabilities of our country, strengthening its air defense, and active participation in establishing the aviation coalition.
During the talks with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the countries in the defense sector.
The Head of State thanked Denmark for preparing another powerful assistance package worth more than €1 billion.
Separately, the President of Ukraine noted the leadership and significant contribution of Denmark to the creation and successful functioning of the international coalition of fighter jets.
The leaders discussed the importance of EU consolidation and unity in the run-up to the European Council meeting.
During a meeting with Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Icelandic people for their solidarity with Ukraine and noted Iceland's active support for Ukrainian initiatives in the international arena. He also expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of previous agreements and the transfer of the mobile hospital, as well as for the readiness to provide long-term economic support and participate in demining.
The President emphasized the importance of the work of the Icelandic side on the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russian occupiers to their homeland.
The interlocutors touched upon the challenges for Ukrainian education related to the war and the availability of bomb shelters in schools.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Katrín Jakobsdóttir discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and Iceland's readiness to join the implementation of the energy security clause.
President of Ukraine had an audience with King Harald V of Norway in Oslo
As part of the official visit of the President of Ukraine to Norway, Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with King Harald V and members of the Royal Family – Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
The Head of State highly appreciated the Royal Family’s personal support for Ukrainian citizens who found refuge from the war in Norway.
"Your visit to the center for Ukrainian refugees in the first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an extremely powerful signal of Norway's support for our people. We thank Your Majesty for this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President expressed gratitude to the Norwegian people, government and parliament for the powerful humanitarian, financial and military assistance to our country, as well as for the introduction of a large-scale five-year support program for Ukraine in February 2023.
In addition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and King Harald V of Norway met with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö at the Royal Palace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the Norwegian Parliament and leaders of parliamentary parties
During an official visit to the Kingdom of Norway, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Norwegian Storting Masud Gharahkhani and leaders of political parties represented in the Norwegian Parliament.
During the conversation with the President of the Storting, the President of Ukraine thanked for endorsing all the decisions that helped Ukraine on the battlefield and protected the lives of Ukrainians in the rear, enabling our country to remain strong. In particular, the decision on a multi-year financial support package for Ukraine was recognized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Masud Gharahkhani discussed the current needs of Ukrainian servicemen and stepping up the protection of civilian infrastructure. In particular, they discussed the challenges for the Ukrainian education system due to the war and the availability of bomb shelters in schools.
The parties touched upon the consolidation of international support at the parliamentary level and the importance of protecting democracy amid rising authoritarianism in the world.
At the meeting with the leaders of the Storting parties, the Head of State thanked the representatives of all political forces of Norway for their firm support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
He expressed gratitude to the Norwegian parliamentary parties for initiating a five-year program of support for Ukraine, which is a great example for others.
The President and the leaders of the Norwegian parties discussed areas of further cooperation
President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway met with representatives of Norwegian business
As part of an official visit to Norway, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy together with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre met with representatives of the Norwegian business.
The Head of State thanked all Norwegian defense companies manufacturing weapons that help Ukrainians protect their lives and invited them to localize their production in Ukraine. He said that the Ukrainian servicemen, in particular, highly appreciate the Norwegian NASAMS air defense systems.
The President noted that Ukraine is interested in cooperating with Norwegian companies in the defense industry, in particular, using the practical experience gained during this war. Our country would also like to implement relevant educational programs.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed business representatives about the priority areas of Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.
"We set ourselves the task of thinking about the future even during the war," he said.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine continues to implement reforms, in particular in the anti-corruption sphere and the judicial system, and fulfills the recommendations of the IMF, the World Bank and the European Commission.
The President spoke about continuing the course of digitalization of Ukraine and its economy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that last year's attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector pointed to the need for greater protection and reform of the energy system and its decentralization.
Taking into account the positive experience of cooperation in the field of renewable energy, the President invited specialized companies to join the efforts to rebuild Ukraine on the principles of energy efficiency and "green" transition.
The parties also discussed possible intensification of bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/