Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-norway-to-ink-pact-tuesday-to-facilitate-dialogue-to-boost-bilateral-trade-188804">who is on a three-day visit</a> to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues".&nbsp;

Today is the main day of engagement for the Norway prime minister and she will be calling on President Kovind, Vice-President Naidu and will meet with PM Modi at Hyderabad House.&nbsp;

Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue at 6pm today. Speaking to the media after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, she said, "I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and an impressive reception. Good tradition. I hope the meetings today will have even better way for cooperating in very big and important issues."

She added,"We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to talks."

She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat. In the visitor's book, she wrote,"I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the globe."

She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in the new year. On the first day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian business summit and opened the "green" compound at the Norwegian embassy.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met&nbsp;Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi with a football. The football had SDG - sustainable development - goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).&nbsp;

Last year, PM Modi met the Norway prime minister during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17th last year.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a three-day visit to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues".

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a three-day visit to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". Today is the main day of engagement for the Norway prime minister and she will be calling on President Kovind, Vice-President Naidu and will meet with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue at 6pm today. Speaking to the media after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, she said, "I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and an impressive reception. Good tradition. I hope the meetings today will have even better way for cooperating in very big and important issues." She added,"We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to talks." She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat. In the visitor's book, she wrote,"I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the globe." She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in the new year. On the first day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian business summit and opened the "green" compound at the Norwegian embassy. PM Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi with a football. The football had SDG - sustainable development - goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year, PM Modi met the Norway prime minister during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17th last year.

Want friendship and partnership with India: Norway PM Erna Solberg

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue".

Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it"

Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean &amp; not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept.

PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India"

Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance"

She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time &nbsp;of increased protectionism."

Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s."

The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway.

Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi.

Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks."

She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global."

She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit &amp; opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018.

Message for China?

The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present.&nbsp;

Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance".&nbsp;

She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue". Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it" Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean & not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept. PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India" Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance" She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time of increased protectionism." Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s." The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway. Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi. Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks." She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global." She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit & opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy. PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018. Message for China? The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present. Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance". She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.

Norway PM calls India an 'Ocean country' as both nations agree to intensify engagement on Ocean Economy

WION Gravitas: Norway PM Erna Solberg misquoted on Kashmir issue

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict."&nbsp;

She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. "

Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it."

She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things".

Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. "

Bondevik visited Jammu &amp; Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, &nbsp;"there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally."

Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate."

Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict." She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. " Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka. Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it." She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things". Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. " Bondevik visited Jammu & Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu & Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally." Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate." Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.

Norway PM rules out mediation on Kashmir, says nobody from outside can create peace

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday.

"Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said.

Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls.&nbsp;

Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue.

"The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day.&nbsp;

Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018.

More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway.&nbsp;

A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway.&nbsp;

According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday. "Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said. Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue. "The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said. The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day. Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018. More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway. A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway. According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.

Norway PM to land in India on Monday, green solutions will be on her agenda