This week, the delegation of the Verkhovna rada of Ukraine is working in Oslo, as part of efforts to expand interparliamentary diplomacy, meeting with colleagues from the Storting, the unicameral parliament of the Kingdom of Norway. The main topics of discussion are strengthening military and financial assistance for Ukraine. One of the first outcomes is that, ahead of the Easter holidays, there will be submitted to the Norway Parliament a modernised FTA, which is expected to revitalise our bilateral economic cooperation.
This was noted by Halyna Mykhailiuk, the member of "Servant of People" faction, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Law Enforcement, and the President of Ukraine’s representative in the Verkhovna Rada.
“During our first meeting with the President of the Norwegian Parliament, we raised the need for the swift ratification of the modernised Free Trade Agreement with Norway and immediately received a positive response. Ahead of the Easter holidays, the document will be submitted by the Ministry for consideration by the Storting. We hope that its ratification will revitalise our economic cooperation with Norway and other countries that are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA),” she said.
According to her, meetings are also ongoing on strengthening defence cooperation between Ukraine and Norway.
“Our delegation will visit Norway’s largest factory, Nammo, which produces defence ammunition. We expect an increase in military assistance to Ukraine. In addition, we are in constant contact with colleagues from the Defence Committee, who are ready to support the deepening of defence cooperation between our countries,” said the member of parliament.
She thanked the Norwegian partners for their prompt response to Ukraine’s requests.
“We are extremely grateful to the Norwegian Parliament and Government, as well as to all Norwegians, for the assistance provided to Ukrainians from the very first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. We sincerely hope that our visit will further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and dialogue between Ukraine and Norway,” concluded Halyna Mykhailiuk.