NEWS.am presents an interview with Norwegian Ambassador to Armenia Knut Hauge (residence in Moscow).

Interview by Anna Ghazaryan

Mr. Ambassador, what are the prospects for development of the Armenian-Norwegian relations?

A: Relations between Armenia and Norway are very good. Long ago Norway has done much humanitarian work for the Armenian people. There are long standing contacts between two countries. Today in Yerevan we are represented by an honorary consul. We are running a program of assistance cooperation with Armenia. This is where we are at the moment. Prospects for the future are interesting. This year the Norwegian export to Armenia has increased ten times and the import from Armenia has doubled. The reality is that there are very small numbers. In economic field we are at a very low stage. Our authorities intend to facilitate the commercial contacts and it this viewpoint is shared by our Armenian friends.

What fields of the Armenian economy are Norwegian businessmen interested in?

Well, there are some businessmen who are interested in various aspects of Armenia’s energy field as a part of programs they are running. But when it comes to commerce, there are no acting businessmen in Armenia. It is a pity. This problem has several aspects. From our side is that Norwegian businessmen are quite conservative. Norwegian economy is doing very well, due to its oil and gas industry. But business is quite strong in traditional markets, in countries like Sweden, Germany, UK, the U.S. and there are long established ties to this markets. It is hard for them to go to new markets which are unknown to people. Armenian market is a complicated one.

What is Norway’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? 

We support the work done within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, their efforts to work out a comprehensive solution to the conflict. Norway is very economically engaged in Azerbaijan, it has to do with oil and gas activities and we have an embassy in Baku. But on the other side is Armenia, so we try to be as balanced as possible.

Last October Armenia and Turkey signed the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Are the prospects for establishment these relations? What do you think, will the border be open?

We certainly hope so. When the news came about Armenian-Turkish rapprochement we were really happy. We support the rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey. Norway as a neighboring country with Russia has some experience in building ties across the borders which used to be closed. Of course there is huge, huge difference and I would not like to compare. But when it comes to technicalities we have some experience. Our fundamental believe is that any solution must come from the sides. The sides must reach compromise. No outsider can solve this problem, of course there are mediators, but it must come from the Armenian and Turkish side.  

During your visit to Armenia, you went to newly constructed Wings of Tatev ropeway. What are your impressions?

We were invited to see the Tatev ropeway and visited the Tatev Monastery. It is a fantastic place, very impressive, the nature is spectacular. The ropeway is a technological miracle and I hope that the idea behind it would be fully implemented. It would bring increase of tourists to the area. I can only wish luck to the people who are behind the project.