MOSCOW, January 20. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia seeks to develop cooperation with Norway, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at talks with Norwegian counterpart Borge Brende on Monday.

“Our relations are traditionally intensive. We’re neighbors and we have several joint projects that we’re implementing for the benefit of our peoples,” Lavrov said.

“We seek to develop cooperation. We value statements by the Norwegian government saying it wants to develop practical interaction with Russia,” the Russian minister said.

 

Sergei Lavrov meets with Borge Brende

Russia’s foreign minister and his Norwegian counterpart have met in Moscow to discuss key topics of Russia-Norway relations and practical interaction between the two countries, including matters aimed at advancing political dialogue and at stepping up trade-and-economic cooperation, inclusive in the Arctic. The Norwegian minister arrived in Russia on Sunday for a working visit.

The foreign ministers of the two countries were to touch upon matters concerning "cooperation in major sectors, including the power industry, fisheries, environmental protection, nuclear and radiation safety, the strengthening of contacts between the northern regions and in the border areas, Russia's economic and scientific presence at the Spitzbergen archipelago, as well as on topical humanitarian problems".

As a result of the talks, the sides are expected to sign a Plan for Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Norway for 2014-2015.

An important role in promoting bilateral interaction has the Russian-Norwegian intergovernmental commission for economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation. The 17th session of the IGC is scheduled to be held in April this year in Moscow.