Nordic unity and co-operation in focus in Bodø
– The Nordic countries are very close to us, and we share both interests and values. Nordic co-operation is closer and more important than ever, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.
The forthcoming NATO summit, the war in Ukraine, the High North, the rule of law and democracy, and the multilateral system were among the topics when the five Nordic foreign ministers met in Bodø today. The meeting took place in the calling N5 format, which consists of the five Nordic countries’ foreign ministers.
The visiting Foreign Ministers Jeppe Kofod (Denmark), Pekka Haavisto (Finland), Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir (Iceland) and Ann Linde (Sweden), expressed their support for common values such as tolerance and the right to love whoever you want, in light of the attack in Oslo this weekend.
– My Nordic technicians were among the first to contact me after the attack in Oslo on Saturday night and expressed their support. I appreciated that, since the attack in Oslo was an attack on the deserving we hold dear in the Nordic countries, says the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Close Nordic co-operation
Nordic foreign and security policy co-operation has become increasingly strong in recent years.
The countries co-operate through platforms such as the N5, in the Nordic-Baltic co-operation in which the Baltic countries are also involved, and through the Nordic defense co-operation NORDEFCO.
There is extensive cooperation between the countries and crisis management, for example in dealing with the covid-19 pandemic.
Great conversations in spectacular surroundings
This year, Norway holds the presidency in the N5 format, and Foreign Minister Huitfeldt therefore hosted the meeting in Bodø. Four of the foreign ministers also visited Kjerringøy outside Bodø and continued the talks there.
– Today, Bodø showed its best side, and we could not have asked for a better framework for good talks, says Foreign Minister Huitfeldt.
Facts about the N5
- N5 is the strategic dialogue between the Nordic foreign ministers. It is usually 4-5 meetings each year. The meetings are informal and coordinated between the respective foreign ministries. N5 is a meeting place characterized by trust, flexibility and confidentiality, where there is a low threshold for addressing current issues.
- Recent meetings have largely focused on the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. In 2022, Norway will hold the N5 presidency, which means that Norway’s foreign minister will chair the meetings. Norway has multilateralism, the rule of law and democracy in Europe and green transition as main priorities in its N5 presidency.