PM COMMITTED TO AFGHANISTAN, FOCUSED ON HIGH NORTH

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000166

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/14/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV ENRG PINR AF NO
SUBJECT: PM COMMITTED TO AFGHANISTAN, FOCUSED ON HIGH NORTH

Classified By: Ambassador Ben Whitney, reason 1.4 b and d.


1. (C) During the Ambassador's introductory call on Prime
Miniter Stoltenberg on February 14, the Prime Minsiter made
sure that we knew that Norway remains commited to supporting
ISAF and will not be deterred by the recent attack on the
Norwegian provincial reconstruction team in Meymaneh. The
Prime Minister said that the response of Allies in support of
the Norwegian forces, both with Dutch F-16s and U.S. A-10s
from OEF, was much appreciated and demonstrated that the
Alliance works well together and that we need one another.
Stoltenberg added that the use of F-16s in defense of
Norwegian forces proved their value and will help him counter
those in the far-left Socialist Left party (SV) who oppose
the Norwegian deployment.


2. (C) The Ambassador thanked Stoltenberg for his steadfast
commitment and said that we look forward to having Norway
follow through on its commitment to provide even more support
for ISAF. The Prime Minister hedged a bit noting that the
details for Norway's additional contribution to ISAF still
have to be worked out as Norway is also looking to deploy
military personnel in support of a UN mission in Sudan,
commenting that "we have limited resources."

High North: Energy Development Will Go Forward
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3. (C) Stoltenberg then turned to the High North, which is
a top priority for his government. He spent some time
talking about his determination to continue oil and gas
development in the Barents. While recognizing that some in
SV (a minority coalition partner) oppose it, the PM said
development will go forward -- "the question is when and
how." Stoltenberg said there really are no political
obstacles for proceeding with energy development in the
Barents but rather his concern was that companies need
commercial finds. To date only two fields, Snoehvit and
Goliath, have proven to be commercially viable out of 70
exploration wells. But, with the high price of oil, it is
expected that companies will continue to explore as more
areas are opened up. The Prime Minister noted that as Norway
builds up it liquified natural gas infrastructure, it will
become a bigger player on energy security since Norwegian gas
supply can then be transported, not just where the pipelines
take you.

PM: "Vaccines are my baby"
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4. (U) As he was wrapping up the meeting the Prime Minister
exclaimed: "and you should know
vaccines are my baby." Stoltenberg went on to praise
President Bush for the support and funding the United States
has provided during his adminsitration for vaccines. The
Prime Minister described his involvement with the Global
Alliance VI (GAVI) and stressed that this was a personal
priority.

Comment
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5. (C) The Ambassador and Prime Minister hit it off well,
talking initially about their kids (similar ages) and their
interest in sports (skiing, biking). Stoltenberg, who
clearly is not comfortable talking about foreign policy, was
much more at ease talking about Norwegian medals in at the
Torino Olympics. In his first few months in office it has
become evident that Stoltenberg prefers to leave foreign
policy to his extremely able Foreign Minister - Jonas Stoere.
That said, the Prime Minister welcomed the Ambassador's
pitch that we will continue to look for ways for Norway and
the United States to work together around the world to
promote common objectives, as we are doing in Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. Also, if disagreements
arise, the Prime Minister agreed that it was best to consult
closely to see if the differences can be overcome, and if
not, to simply agree to disagree quietly.
Visit Oslo's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m

WHITNEY


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