Contributions From Experts
[Messages for the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit] Contribution from the Embassy of Norway to Korea
Apr 25,2018Inter-Korean Summit from a Norwegian perspective
By Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Veslemoy Lothe Salvesen
When the athletes from the teams of South and North Korea marched together in the Opening Ceremony for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it sent a powerful message to the world. Not only did South Korea intend to host a highly successful sporting event, but President Moon also made the brave decision to see the Games as an opportunity to improve the relationship between Pyeongyang and Seoul. It was a decision applauded by the international community. While Norway enjoyed watching our athletes compete on the beautiful slopes of PyeongChang, we equally much appreciated the signs of dialogue and the Olympic truce that prevailed on the peninsula.
A series of dramatic political moves toward peace and stability commenced after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to meet on April 27. A meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea is also planned. The changes currently taking place in the diplomatic environment in and around the Korean Peninsula seem promising, in spite of all the political complexity.
The international community is hopeful that it will witness a positive outcome in the process of denuclearization and peaceful engagement with North Korea, following the upcoming Inter-Korean Summit. Norway is a strong supporter of international efforts toward sustainable peace. We believe in the idea of solving conflicts through peaceful, diplomatic and political solutions. In February, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg came to South Korea for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. During a summit with President Moon, she expressed Norway’s full support for South Korea’s efforts toward peace.
Norway is not a direct party to inter-Korean affairs, but it stands firmly with the international community to uphold and advance global norms and principles for peace. Therefore, Norway has fully implemented international sanctions against North Korea under U.N. resolutions in response to its recent nuclear tests and missile launches. However, the sanction measures are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences on the civilian population or undermine relief efforts by international organizations in the country. For over 20 years, Norway has contributed to humanitarian programs on a regular basis to assist vulnerable groups in North Korea through the WFP and other international organizations. Norway’s humanitarian support for North Korea has been consistent and unchanged through all geopolitical situations.
Norway experienced its best Winter Games ever in PyeongChang and came out on top of the medal count. Even more important than the number of medals won by each country, however, was the opportunity that sports provided, through the Olympic Winter Games, for dialogue and exchanges. During the Closing Ceremony, Korean President Moon Jae-in told the audience that while the Games have come to an end, the time for peace will continue. The process toward a peaceful solution has Norway's full support.
By Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Veslemoy Lothe Salvesen
When the athletes from the teams of South and North Korea marched together in the Opening Ceremony for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it sent a powerful message to the world. Not only did South Korea intend to host a highly successful sporting event, but President Moon also made the brave decision to see the Games as an opportunity to improve the relationship between Pyeongyang and Seoul. It was a decision applauded by the international community. While Norway enjoyed watching our athletes compete on the beautiful slopes of PyeongChang, we equally much appreciated the signs of dialogue and the Olympic truce that prevailed on the peninsula.
A series of dramatic political moves toward peace and stability commenced after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to meet on April 27. A meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea is also planned. The changes currently taking place in the diplomatic environment in and around the Korean Peninsula seem promising, in spite of all the political complexity.
The international community is hopeful that it will witness a positive outcome in the process of denuclearization and peaceful engagement with North Korea, following the upcoming Inter-Korean Summit. Norway is a strong supporter of international efforts toward sustainable peace. We believe in the idea of solving conflicts through peaceful, diplomatic and political solutions. In February, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg came to South Korea for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. During a summit with President Moon, she expressed Norway’s full support for South Korea’s efforts toward peace.
Norway is not a direct party to inter-Korean affairs, but it stands firmly with the international community to uphold and advance global norms and principles for peace. Therefore, Norway has fully implemented international sanctions against North Korea under U.N. resolutions in response to its recent nuclear tests and missile launches. However, the sanction measures are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences on the civilian population or undermine relief efforts by international organizations in the country. For over 20 years, Norway has contributed to humanitarian programs on a regular basis to assist vulnerable groups in North Korea through the WFP and other international organizations. Norway’s humanitarian support for North Korea has been consistent and unchanged through all geopolitical situations.
Norway experienced its best Winter Games ever in PyeongChang and came out on top of the medal count. Even more important than the number of medals won by each country, however, was the opportunity that sports provided, through the Olympic Winter Games, for dialogue and exchanges. During the Closing Ceremony, Korean President Moon Jae-in told the audience that while the Games have come to an end, the time for peace will continue. The process toward a peaceful solution has Norway's full support.