Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Tonie Brenna arrived today on an official visit to Kiev, Ukrinform reports, citing the Norwegian government, BTA reports.
The statement specified that the two ministers will meet with their Ukrainian counterparts to assess the results of the support provided by Norway.
On March 6, the parties in the Norwegian parliament reached an agreement to increase aid to Ukraine by 50 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $4.8 billion), bringing the total to 217 billion kroner (over $20 billion) by 2030.
“During the meetings with the Ukrainian authorities, we can assure Norway of its long-term commitment. Ukrainians appreciate this. Currently, a large part of the aid is directed at the fighting on the front, but we also need to ensure the functioning of society. This includes providing electricity, jobs, an effective state apparatus and a vibrant civil society, which are also part of the resistance,“ said Brenna.
On March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Norway, where he expressed gratitude for the significant financial assistance provided by the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion and for its support in strengthening the Ukrainian energy sector.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre assured Zelensky that Norway fully supports Ukraine's efforts to achieve a ceasefire with Russia, as well as to hold negotiations for a just and lasting peace.