Strengthening defense and deterrence was a major topic at a meeting of NATO defense ministers. Norwegian Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen took part in this meeting.
- NATO's greater concentration in the surrounding areas fits well with Norwegian interests. The government now has clear ambitions to strengthen Norwegian defense. It is also an important contribution to NATO, says Odd Roger Enoksen.
Membership in the alliance is of key importance to Norway's security
Minister Enoksen emphasizes that NATO membership is of key importance for Norway's security.
- Membership in NATO is the basis of Norwegian defense and security policy. This government supports NATO's XNUMX% target, says Enoksen.
For Norway, the priority is that the joint NATO headquarters are closely linked to the national headquarters. The aim is to use specialized regional knowledge.
- Norway has a regional role to play in the North. Above all, by protecting NATO's northern flank as a neighboring country to Russia, we are also prepared to contribute to the further development of NATO's relationship with Russia, says Enoksen.
Close regional cooperation and strengthening bilateral cooperation with close allies
Security and defense in Northern Europe and the Arctic were also discussed by Enoxen with his Northern European colleagues in the Northern Group.
- Close regional cooperation will be important in the future. Sweden and Finland, which are not NATO members, are also included. I am committed to strengthening Nordic cooperation and strengthening bilateral cooperation with our close allies. This applies to the northernmost countries in Europe as well as the United States, which has always been and will be our closest ally.
Afghanistan.
NATO will conduct research on the military and political efforts in Afghanistan for more than 20 years. Report in this one The matter is to be presented at the meeting of foreign ministers in December .
- It is important that we evaluate all the efforts that have been made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years. We have to learn both from what has gone well and from where we don't see the results we want, says Enoksen.
The Minister of Defense drew attention to the efforts of the Norwegian forces in Kabul during the evacuation in late August.
- The defeat in Afghanistan was a surprise for everyone. In the chaotic situation that ensued, Norwegian staff made an impressive effort that made a significant contribution to saving lives, says Enoksen.
Nuclear weapons. Nuclear policy was discussed during the NATO meeting
Nuclear weapons policy was also discussed during the NATO summit. Norwegian minister defense took the opportunity to inform its allies that Norway plans to participate as an observer at the upcoming Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
- Norway supports NATO's nuclear strategy. Therefore, we agree on the goal of a nuclear-free world. It cannot be done by unilateral disarmament indisputably. At the same time, it is important to follow the events on forums where disarmament is discussed, says Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen.
Photo: Ingrid Dåsnes, FD
