Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende expressed interest in cooperation with Russia despite EU sanctions. He said at a conference on trans-border cooperation between the Barents Euro-Arctic Region hosted by the town of Kirkenes that Norway wanted to develop public diplomacy, realize joint business projects and supports a simplified visa regime. Brende noted that Murmansk Governor Marina Kovtun’s presence at the conference was proof of the striving for cooperation, TASS reports.
The minister called compliance with the EU sanctions the right decision, though their effect on business caused problems that needed solving. The limitations on sale of equipment for Russian oil exploration and extraction was the most sensitive blow to the Norwegian economy, according to the minister.
Norwegian mining has also experienced repercussions from the sanctions.
