Mr. Chair,
Norway fully aligns with the EU statement. Allow me however to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
Norway appreciates that Georgia has ensured the running of the Forum and that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has remained on top of the agenda. As long as the war continues, this forum should be a platform for holding Russia accountable for its unprovoked war of aggression and its continuous attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is also a platform to learn from Ukrainian innovation and resilience. Our support for Ukraine remains steadfast and unwavering.
Mr. Chair,
During its Chairpersonship, Georgia has facilitated three important security dialogues. Highlighting how to strengthen compliance with the code of conduct. The impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls. Conflict related Human Rights Violations. All topics directly connected to the Code of Conduct. The Code is not an ideal. It is a method for democratic control, training of forces and consequences of violations. It is a method to be applied by all participating States.
Recognising the different impact of armed conflict on women and girls, men and boys, as well as the agency of women and girls is a timely and relevant discussion. Promoting the rights, representation and agency of women and girls, while also addressing the needs of men and boys, is not only a matter of equality. It is a prerequisite for comprehensive and effective security policy.
We commend the FSC Chairpersonship of Georgia for having placed human rights on the FSC agenda. Human rights hold an indisputable role in the military dimension of security, as in all other aspects of life.
Mr. Chair,
We thank you and your team for your commitments to this Forum over the last trimester. We also extend our appreciation to the work of France as it concludes its role in the troika. We warmly welcome the incoming Chairpersonship of the United Kingdom, and Greece as the newest member of the Troika. We remain confident that this Forum will continue to fulfil its core role of fostering dialogue and confidence building, despite today’s difficult geopolitical climate.
Norway stands ready to provide its full support.
Thank you.