Envoy sees similarities

PNG and Norway face similar challenges in combating illegal fishing in its respective 200 nautical mile zones, Norway’s ambassador to PNG Paul Larsen says.
“For Norway, the ocean has shaped its history and identity,” he said.
“Norway and PNG are united in support for Unclos (UN Convention for the Law of the Sea) and combatting IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing.
“Solving common problems through international cooperation continues to be at the heart of Norway’s commitments to peace, security and climate change.”
Larsen said Norway was also concerned about climate change.
“We are committed to protecting the natural environment, pursuing sustainable oceans and combating climate change through follow-up of the Paris Agreement,” he said.
Though Norway seems like a long way from PNG, both countries are connected and share many common interests that link international security, climate change and sustainable development of the oceans and forests,he said.
Since 1976, Norway and PNG have had a successful relationship that is still continuing, Larsen said when he met a number of government ministers on Wednesday to discuss key areas of priority for both countries while learning of PNG’s priorities for the future.
His trip was focused around meetings with government representatives to discuss ongoing UN multilateral affairs and build further co-operation between Norway and PNG.
When meeting with Environment and Climate Change Minister Wera Mori, the ambassador was able to discuss PNG’s long term strategy to improve rainforest regeneration and the plans for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow later this year, as well as share the work that had been undertaken by The Rainforest Foundation in PNG for over 20 years supported by the Norwegian government.
Meeting with the Minister for Health, HIV/AIDS Jelta Wong, Larsen heard about PNG’s preparedness to manage the global pandemic of Covid-19 and share how Norway was a key partner in health through World Health Organisation and the work of the UN.