“Norway and Russia have common goals in protecting resources and environment”

Norway says it wants to develop security co-operation with Russia. The news comes from the Norwegian defense minister, Grete Faremo, ahead of Dmitry Medvedev's visit to the country.

“We should protect the environment and secure vast natural resources. We have a common goal with Russia in that,” she said. “At the same time, we would like to carry out exercises that would enhance our capability to conduct joint military action. I mean small-scale joint drills on land, on water and in the air. That would help us to prepare for all sorts of crisis situations in the future.”

During the Russian President’s visit, the two countries are expected to sign intergovernmental agreements in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, ecology, education, science and co-operation between law enforcement structures.

Presidential aide Sergey Prikhodko also named “co-operation in energy, fisheries, environmental control, nuclear and radiation security” among key topics of the talks, Itar-Tass news agency says.