On Wednesday, March 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha hosted Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Tonje Brenna in Kyiv.

The ministers discussed the potential for cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in energy, gas, shelter construction, food security, as well as joint cultural and historical projects. In particular, attention was paid to the implementation of the Nansen Programme, the expansion of current programmes, and the coordination of long-term plans and new support initiatives from Norway.

Andrii Sybiha stressed that Ukraine and Norway have significant potential for implementing joint projects in the defence industry. The Minister of Foreign Affairs invited the Norwegian side to continue to actively increase investments in Ukrainian arms production.

A separate topic of the talks was the strengthening of sanctions against russia. The ministers reaffirmed their common position on the need to maintain and increase pressure on the aggressor.

"moscow will engage in deception, not negotiations, until it feels real power - diplomatic, military, and sanctions. There can be no easing of pressure as long as russian aggression continues.irussia is an existential threat to Europe, and our common goal is to defend against this threat," emphasised Andrii Sybiha.

The head of Ukraine's diplomatic service called Norway one of Ukraine's closest and most loyal allies.

"Norway's assistance this year will amount to about USD 8 billion, making it one of the leaders in support. This solidarity is felt not only at the level of the government and parliament, but also at the level of municipalities and the whole society. We will never forget this," the Minister stressed.

The Ukrainian diplomat also briefed his colleagues on Ukraine's steps towards a just peace and the outcome of the meetings in Saudi Arabia. 

"Ukraine has proven that it is not an obstacle to peace. Now russia has to demonstrate its real desire to end the war through concrete actions, not manipulations. Otherwise, we will need to increase pressure on moscow," the Minister underlined.