The Minister of Trade and Industry in Ukraine to strengthen Business Cooperation

- It is vital for our collective security that Ukraine succeeds in its defence efforts. International support has been and will continue to be crucial. In order to meet the enormous needs in Ukraine, we must enable increased activity and investment from the private sector. This is supported by the Norwegian government, states Minister Myrseth (Ap).

In Kyiv, Minister Myrseth met with the Ukrainian Minister of Finance and the Minister of Energy. Together with the Minister of Energy, she chaired a meeting of the Norwegian-Ukrainian Commision on Trade, Business and Economic Cooperation, which included participation from both Norwegian and Ukrainian businesses. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister and her counterpart signed a Joint Statement outlining the direction for future cooperation.

The Norwegian delegation included representatives from Export Finance Norway (Eksfin), Innovation Norway, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), Scatec, Moelven, Bergen Engines, Pelagia and Itera.

- The war has lasted for over two years, yet Ukraine keep the wheels turning. Despite an extremely challenging situation, the Ukrainians have welcomed us and continue to look forward. Norway remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine. Our main message is that Norway and Norwegian businesses wish to contribute significantly to Ukraine's struggle for freedom here and now, and to rebuild the country after the war is over, says Minister Myrseth.

The government has informed the parliamentary leaders in the Storting that it will propose to strengthen and extend the Nansen Program.

Targeted assaults on critical infrastructure, particularly energy infrastructure, are expected to make winter exceedingly difficult for millions of people.

- I've had good talks in Kiev with the Minister of Energy, Mr Galusjenko. A stronger energy partnership is sought by the Ukrainian side, and this is an area where Norway possesses considerable expertise and a robust business sector. We will continue to work towards even closer ties between the business communities of Ukraine and Norway, which I believe this visit has also contributed to. We shall share knowledge and expertise and explore various other ways we can assist, states Myrseth.