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Norwegian Ambassador to Azerbaijan: â€œAzerbaijan has a long and fascinating history and a rich culture that I would like to learn more aboutâ€ - INTERVIEW

Norwegian Ambassador to Azerbaijan: â€œAzerbaijan has a long and fascinating history and a rich culture that I would like to learn more aboutâ€ - <font color=red>INTERVIEW</font>

18 March 2011 14:50 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Lachin Sultanova â€“ APA. Erling SkjÃ¸nsberg, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Azerbaijan gives an interview to APA.

- It is already some months that you represent Norway in Azerbaijan. Is there any difference between your first and nowadays impressions about Azerbaijan?

- I came with an open mind six months ago. I had not visited Azerbaijan before but had heard nice things about the country, among others from my wife who had visited Baku in spring 2010. There are really no differences between my impressions when I came in September last year and now. I was very curious when I came and I have seen a bit and earned some knowledge. However, I am still very curious because there are so many things to explore. Azerbaijan has a long and fascinating history and a rich culture that I would like to learn more about. The country lies at the crossroads between East and West, between Europe and Asia and this has contributed to the rich culture. I like to stroll in the Old City where one can feel this. Another observation was that Azerbaijan is indeed an important country politically and in terms of energy. This impression has only been strengthened. The same thing goes for the people; the citizens of the country are very friendly and hospitable.

- How do you evaluate the level of political, economic and humanitarian relations between Azerbaijan and Norway? In which fields are the perspectives more real?

- The relationship between Azerbaijan and Norway is very good in every respect. The bilateral political relations are fruitful and both countries are members of multilateral organization like the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. Furthermore, there is substantial investment by Norwegian companies in Azerbaijan, first and foremost in the energy sector. Our two countries have common long term interests and challenges in the oil and gas sector. We need to ensure that the energy resources are used in a sustainable manner, economically and environmentally, to benefit future generations. I therefore believe that energy will continue to be a backbone in our future cooperation. At the same time I will try expand cooperation in all fields, political, economical and cultural.

- How is the level of trading between our countries? What products are exported?

- For the time being there is not so much trade between our countries. The average export from Norway to Azerbaijan over the last three years amounts to about EURO 12 million per year, whereas the average export from Azerbaijan to Norway is EURO 3-4 million annually. Various kind of machinery constitutes most of Norwayâ€™s exports to Azerbaijan and also most of our imports from Azerbaijan.

- Norway has implemented several projects on Democracy in Azerbaijan? What projects are being implemented now?

- Norway supports some projects regarding Rule of Law and Democracy through the OSCE, the Council and Europe and a few civil society organizations.

- Norway is not a member of EU, however as a western country what is your attitude to Eastern Partnership program? What would you like this project to give to Azerbaijan?

- My country fully supports the EUâ€™s Eastern Partnership Program for Azerbaijan and five other countries. Norway is in the Group of Friends of the Eastern Partnership which was inaugurated in Brussels on 29 September 2010. We believe that this program is a good tool for strengthen the political and economical dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union. In our view such cooperation and will benefit Azerbaijan and its population both in the short term and in the long term. It will strengthen Azerbaijan as an engine for prosperity and stability in the region, and this is of course also in the interest of Norway.

- Is the visit to Azerbaijan expected by Norwegian officials?

- Yes, plans are being made for His Royal Highness (HRH) The Crown Prince to visit Baku on 6â€“7 June 2011 in connection with the opening of the annual International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition. According to the plan HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus will head Norwayâ€™s delegation, which will also include the Minister of Petroleum and Energy and a Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy is very much looking forward to this high level visit.