Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov visited Norway on 20–21 May, where he met Norway’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Eivind Vad Petersson and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Torgeir Larsen, took part in the Kirkenes Conference panel discussion “Deep Dive into Geopolitics”, visited the Norwegian-Russian border crossing point, and met the head of the Norwegian Border Guard, Gøran Johansen Stenseth.
Speaking at the Kirkenes Conference discussion, Vseviov said that the aim of foreign policy is not merely diplomatic activity, but shaping the international order in a way that supports freedom. He highlighted that a broader confrontation between two visions for Europe’s future is taking place in Ukraine – on the one hand, a more imperialist logic and spheres of influence, and on the other, cooperation between sovereign states based on rules-based international law. Vseviov also stated that Europe’s future will either be shaped by Europe itself or by external powers, and that the Nordic and Baltic (NB8) countries share a common approach to these issues.
The visit also included discussions on the security situation in Northern Europe, deepening regional cooperation, cross-border cooperation, and the exchange of experience in strengthening border protection and security measures. He stressed that unity among the Nordic and Baltic countries in defending the rules-based international order and ensuring stability in the Baltic Sea and Northern European region is growing ever stronger.