New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) India and Norway on Tuesday expressed desire to work together for realizing Sustainable Development Goals including poverty, health, education, women’s empowerment, clean energy and sustainable use of ocean resources.
A joint statement issued at the end of delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg here, said the two sides emphasised the central role of the UN in maintaining global peace and security and recognized the value of each other’s contribution to this important work.
They stressed the need for the reform of the UN including of the UN Security Council and its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century.
The two sides discussed the importance of robust infrastructure and Prime Minister Solberg noted with interest India’s new initiative of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which aims to offer risk analysis and capacity building support to disaster-prone countries.
The two sides recognised that Climate Change is a global challenge with strong economic, environmental and social dimensions. In order to mitigate the challenges, the two sides agreed for collaboration and joint research in this sector. In this context, India invited Norway to participate in the International Solar Alliance.
"Norway agreed that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members. India expressed its appreciation for Norway’s support towards India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) and the Australia Group (AG)," the joint statement said.
Norway supported India's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and reaffirmed its commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome regarding Indian membership at the earliest opportunity.
The two sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in combating international terrorism. They also urged the international community to work towards early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism mooted by India at the UN.
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