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Norway looks forward to working with Putin

Jonas Gahr Støre looks forward to working with Putin's Russia. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

Good bilateral development during the years of Putin’s leadership, especially in the north, says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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“The relationship between Norway and Russia has evolved in a positive direction during the years in which Putin has been the political leader,” says Støre in a statement after Vladimir Putin won a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential elections on Sunday.

Norway is ready to further develop the close cooperation with Putin’s Russia, a statement from the Foreign Ministry in Oslo reads. Norwegian authorities look forward to continuing the close cooperation with him when he takes over as president in May.

“Norway has for many years worked closely with Vladimir Putin, both in his previous presidency and during his time as prime minister,” says Jonas Gahr Støre.

Støre is at the same time concerned about the latest information from international observer from OSCE and the Council of Europe reporting that there are significant deficiencies in the conduct of the elections.

“We urge the Russian leadership to put greater emphasis on the development of rule of law, democracy and human rights,” Støre says.