International cooperation and the Norway-Russia relationship are some of Norway’s most pressing security issues. Long-term, official Norwegian government reports indicate a “neighborly” relationship (Jensen and Rottem) with surrounding nations, including and especially Russia, is a priority.
Russia’s use of all instruments of state power to support its interests caused the suspension of practical cooperation between Russia and NATO. In response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO strengthened its presence in Easternmost member states, including Norway. Military cooperation between Russia and Norway was suspended at that time. (Wegge)
At the same time, a relationship of practicality remains between Russia and Norway. As emphasized by the Government of Norway in their 2017 report Norway’s Arctic Strategy – between geopolitics and social development, shared interests among nations in the region, including Russia, make a case for careful bilateral cooperation. Both nations have an interest in maintaining stability in the region. Cooperation in fisheries management between Norway and Russia began in the 1970s, cooperation on the Norwegian-Russian border is based on a bilateral agreement dating from 1949, and fisheries cooperation between the two countries dates back to the 1970s. Delicate bilateral cooperation still occurs, with some disruption due to the COVID-19 crisis. Though Norway strengthened its defense capabilities at its Eastern border, it is understood that Russia’s activities in the region are not directed towards Norway. Russia has behaved in accordance with international law in the North, and continuing long-term relationships is to the benefit of the region as a whole.
1. Jensen, Øystein, and Svein Vigeland Rottem. “The Politics of Security and International Law in Norway’s Arctic Waters.” The Fridtjof Nansen Institute, P.O. Box 326, Fridtjof Nansens vei 17, 1326 Lysaker, Norway, oyj@fni.no. Received May 2009.
2. Wegge, Njord. “Arctic Security Strategies and the North Atlantic States.” Arctic Review on Law and Politics, vol. 11, 2020, pp. 360–382. Norwegian Defence University College, Military Academy, Norway.
3. Norway. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Meld. St. 36 (2016–2017) Report to the Storting: Setting the Course for Norwegian Foreign and Security Policy.”
4. Reuters. “Norway, Russia Generals Meet to Discuss Border Cooperation.” October 6, 2023, 2:43 AM AKDT.
Norway and Russia’s relationship is a great example of how cooperation on bilateral issues can transcend political disagreements. I really hope that Norway’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council opens up more regional cooperation with Russia in the Arctic once more, as the region’s stability does not deserve to suffer because of an unrelated conflict.