Norway aligns with the opening statement of the European Union. Allow me however to briefly underline two points in my national capacity.
Firstly, I join previous speakers in congratulating Georgia on their assumption of the FSC chairpersonship. I also thank, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, for setting out Georgia’s priorities for this trimester.
Secondly, today, as every week, we need to remind ourselves of the core principles upon which this organisation is built: Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In this regard, the urgency of keeping Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the top of the agenda cannot be overstated. Russia’s continued attacks over the past week have been among the deadliest in months. This is a stark reminder that we must not lose focus at a defining moment for European security.
The ongoing, deliberate attacks against Ukrainian civilians constitute a clear breach of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Principles, and international humanitarian law. They also demonstrate that Russia is not serious about ending the war anytime soon. We must therefore continue to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen our support for Kyiv. The same applies to the ongoing Russian violations, including information manipulation of and interference on the sovereignty of Georgia and Moldova.
Norway reiterates its thanks to France for chairing the FSC the last trimester, and to Finland as it leaves the Troika. We welcome the United Kingdom as a new member of the Troika, and wish Georgia, and you Ambassador Alexander Maisuadze, the best of luck with your chairpersonship. You can count on Norway’s full support and constructive cooperation throughout this trimester.
Thank you.