(Credit: EU)    EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell wants to strengthen the like-mindedness and close alignment between Norway’s priorities and the EU’s foreign policy and defence objectives.

By Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell and  the  Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ine Eriksen Søreide spoke by telephone Wednesday regarding foreign policy and defence objectives for the new year 2021.  High Representative/Vice-President Borrell noted the like-mindedness and close alignment between Norway’s priorities and the EU’s foreign policy and defence objectives. He expressed the intention of the EU to deepen its work with Norway on the many issues of common interest and to continue the close dialogue, according to the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.   The High Representative invited Minister Søreide to a forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council in the context of Norway taking up its seat as an elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2021–2022.  The conversation was also an opportunity to exchange views on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the need to secure vaccines and on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. The EU and Norway share a common European Economic Area, which is the most encompassing partnership the EU has with third countries, the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said.

NORWAY  Assumed its Seat on the UN Security Council  on  1 January, 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ine Eriksen Søreide

“Maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts requires a determined and long-term effort, based on a solid understanding of the root causes. Norway supports the Secretary-General’s call for a surge in peace diplomacy. We are convinced that the reforms we have adopted are gradually making the UN more conflict sensitive and agile at country level. Norway’s interests and respect for international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, will form the foundation for our work in the Security Council.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ine Eriksen Søreide  statement in the UN Security Council debate on Challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts Jan.  6, 2021

“Our membership of the UN Security Council may increase Norway’s relevance for the EU and our European allies.” –  Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ine Eriksen Søreide 

Meeting in #UNSC today:
After 10 years of conflict there is a pressing need for a nationwide ceasefire & a political solution in #Syria
Norway welcomes the meeting of the Constit. Committee in Geneva next week & fully supports the efforts of @GeirOPedersen

– FM #EriksenSoreide pic.twitter.com/wZ7B2lUTz4

— Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) January 20, 2021