Norway deputy foreign affairs minister arrives

Dar es Salaam. The deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Norway, Ms Tone Skogen, arrived in the country yesterday on a four-day official visit that seeks to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries as well as between the European nation and the wider East African Community (EAC).

A statement from the Norwegian Embassy in Dar es Salaam noted yesterday that during her visit, Ms Skogen will meet ministers and EAC officials in Arusha.

“They will discuss regional and bilateral issues, including Public-Private Partnerships, skills needed for the oil and gas industry, and tax cooperation,” the statement reads. Development cooperation between Norway and Tanzania has existed for almost 50 years. This is Ms Skogen first visit in her official capacity.

“As Tanzania keeps growing, our friendship will evolve and become much broader than just development cooperation. I am eager to engage in political dialogue with the new government of Tanzania,” she is quoted in the statement.

As deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Skogen’s areas of responsibility include development policy and finance, international economic cooperation and business promotion. During her visit, she is expected to meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning and Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Dar es Salaam. She will also meet with the EAC in Arusha.

Norway’s competence lies within the oil and gas sector, renewable energy and aqua- and agriculture.Her delegation will also visit a commercial farm with Norwegian investors and a bio-energy installation in the area.