Norway noted 70th anniversary of the liberation of the city from Nazi German forces. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Norwegian counterpart Borge Brende attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soviet memorial in Kirkenes, Saturday, part of the 70th anniversary of the Red Army’s liberation of northern Norway. Commenting on earlier talks with the Norwegian foreign minister, Lavrov said that the two countries had confirmed their interest in stronger ties, primarily in the areas of economic, environmental and frontier cooperation. He also argued that Norway had tightened economic sanctions against Russia for reasons “way beyond the country. After the wreath-laying ceremony, Lavrov met with veterans who helped fight the Nazi occupation of the country. SOT, Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (in Russian): This ceremony was very touching and emotional with the participation of the veterans, who were recollecting how the Soviet soldiers, together with Norwegian soldiers, liberated this region. SOT, Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (in Russian): The talks, which were held today, confirmed that our joint brothers-in-arms have strengthened the basis of our neighbourliness and friendly relations. SOT, Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (in Russian): These relations are facing strains right now due to the fact that Norway joined the unilateral restrictive measures in respect of the Russian Federation. Norway joined [the sanctions], as we all understand, following reasons which are way beyond the country. SOT, Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (in Russian): Nevertheless, we confirmed today our mutual interest in the development of our relations in the economic sphere and in the sphere of environment protection, in the field of nuclear and radiation safety and the in the issues of frontier cooperation. #Russia #Norway
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 19:34:57 +0000