Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06OSLO227
2006-02-28 15:35:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR MEETS NORWEGIAN DEVELOPMENT STATE

Tags:  PREL EAID NO 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000227 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2016
TAGS: PREL EAID NO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS NORWEGIAN DEVELOPMENT STATE
SECRETARY


SIPDIS

Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Mike Hammer for reasons 1.4 b and d

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000227

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2016
TAGS: PREL EAID NO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS NORWEGIAN DEVELOPMENT STATE
SECRETARY


SIPDIS

Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Mike Hammer for reasons 1.4 b and d


1. (SBU) The Ambassador paid an introductory call on
Norwegian Development Ministry State Secretary Anne
Stenhammer on February 27. Stenhammer elaborated on Norway's
plans to direct foreign aid to areas where Norway has unique
expertise: oil and energy development, peace and
reconciliation, gender equality promotion, and environmental
resource management.

NORWAY AS ENERGY ROLE MODEL
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -


2. (C) Norway is a model country for effective and proper
management of its petroleum resources and has plans to share
this expertise with energy rich developing countries.
According to Stenhammer, Norway plans to combine production
technology, petroleum fund development, anti-corruption, and
environmental extraction into a country specific programs.
Stenhammer envisioned trial programs in Latin America,
Africa, and Asia. Bolivia and Colombia have expressed
interest in the program. Over the long term, Norway has an
interest in working with China on resource management issues.
She expressed interest in cooperating with the USG on
programs for resource rich developing nations. Post would
appreciate Washington's views on such cooperation. NOTE:
Norway has allocated NOK 50 million (about USD 7.5 million)
over the next five years for an energy sector management
assistance initiative. A working group with MFA, Petroleum
Ministry and Finance Ministry representatives has been formed
to oversee the program. END NOTE


3. (SBU) Norway has already launched an oil sector management
assistance program for Iraq. The Development Ministry has
allocated NOK 27 million (about USD 4 million) for a
three-year assistance program focused on four areas: data
collection and management, management training, strategies to
enhance oil recovery, and developing national competence.
The Iraq assistance program is separate from the developing
countries assistance program Stenhammer described.

CONTINUING WORK IN TROUBLE SPOTS, INTEREST IN PALESTINIAN
AREAS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-


4. (C) Stenhammer stated that Norway has a responsibility to
continue working in areas where it already has a presence
like Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Norway will work to
balance foreign development and political goals and will not
weigh in on a situation where its assistance is not wanted.
Regarding Palestinians, Stenhammer seemed interested in
engagement but was cautious saying that Norwegians would wait
until the situation settles.


5. (C) COMMENT: This was our first meeting with State
Secretary Stenhammer, who like Development Minister Solheim,

SIPDIS
is from the Socialist Left (SV) party. Like the Minister,
Stenhammer is interested in working with the United States
where possible. She was engaging and clearly outlined
Norway's plans to assist resource rich developing countries,
promoting rights of women, and AIDS programs. END COMMENT
Visit Oslo's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m

WHITNEY