Mr. Chair, dear Lord Wood
Norway aligns with the statement of the European Union. However, allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
I want to congratulate United Kingdom on their assumption of the FSC chairpersonship. I also wish to thank Ambassador Holland for his strong statement and for outlining the United Kingdom's priorities for this trimester, which Norway fully supports.
We greatly value the United Kingdom's constructive engagement and close partnership, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation throughout the trimester.
We regret however that Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression rages unabatedly, rendering it necessary to use this platform to hold Russia to account for its violations of international law and the commitments we have made to each other in this very organization.
The Russian narrative that NATO and European capitals are responsible for Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is, in one word, false. Russia decided to invade Ukraine. It is Russia that continuously decides to test Allied resolve by hitting targets closer and closer to allied borders. The attempted Russian attack with drones rigged with explosives at Leipzig Airport in Germany, and this weekend's attack on the passenger train on the border to Poland, mark an unprecedented and dangerous escalation.
At its core, The FSC should be a platform to increase military security and stability in Europe. We call upon Russia to end the war, and engage meaningfully in efforts to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Mr. Chair,
Norway reiterates its thanks to Georgia for chairing the FSC the last trimester, and to France as it leaves the Troika. We welcome Greece as new member of the Troika and wish United Kingdom, and you, Ambassador Holland, the best of luck with your chairpersonship. You can count on Norway’s full support and constructive cooperation throughout this trimester.
Thank you.