Deputy Norwegian Ambassador to the UK addresses RDS event on Richmond campus

28/03/2011

On 23rd March 2011, at the Richmond Hill Campus, the Richmond Diplomatic Society hosted a visit from the Minister Chancellor of the Norwegian Embassy, Deputy Ambassador and Head of the Political and Economic Section. His Excellency Mr. Arne S. Bjørnstad.

The visit started with a brief tour of campus and then lead into a more formal talk in the lecture hall. Mr. Bjørnstad was joined by a panel consisting of Professor Robert Leppard, Provost, Mr. Mark Kopenski, Vice President and Dean of Enrolment, Mr. Saed Sarsur, President of the Richmond Diplomatic Society and Mr. Byron Fisher, US army captain, economist and senior RDS officer.

In the audience was a selection of Richmond students as well as students and faculty from the Swedish school. The event was particularly interesting and relevant to those from Sweden being neighbors to Norway. Mr. Bjørnstad gave a 15-minute introduction to Norwegian history and modern economic, political and international relations issues. Then a discussion followed with questions from the audience. Issues such as immigration and tourism were discussed as the minister very informatively answered the audience’s questions.

Mr. Arne S. Bjørnstad gave a lecture on the Norwegian political system, the foreign affairs policy, the cooperation with NATO as well as the economic policy, he also mentioned the unique relationship between Norway and Britain, Norway is one of larger investors in the British economy and Britain is a strategic partner to the Kingdom of Norway. “I am delighted to be her with you, and I would like to thank the Diplomatic Society for the invitation. The Kingdom of Norway is welcome this cooperation with Richmond University and its students, we believe that there are many ways of cooperation which we can adopt on the levels of economy, foreign affairs and diplomacy” says Mr. Arne S. Bjørnstad .

Prof. Leppard talked about the Norwegian economic policy in the shadow of worldwide economic crisis; “it is interesting to see how the kingdom of Norway is managing its economic policy positively than any other European country as well as the economic cooperation with other European countries although Norway is not a member of the EU” said Prof. Leppard.

Mr. Kopenski added: “one of the strongest sides of the Kingdom of Norway is its economy with one of the higher GDP’s around the world, as well as the lower rate of unemployment internationally, we would love to see more Norwegian students in our university and we hope to develop a strong partnership”.

Mr. Sarsur added: “it is interesting to see the strong cooperation between Norway and NATO which Norway is one of its founders. On the economy level, I believe that there is more to learn from both macro and micro economic policies, taking the fact that Norway is a large producer of oil worldwide. I wonder why Norway is not joining the EU although it is a strong European player on almost all levels. We would love to see more Norwegian students among us in Richmond and I am very much looking forward to cooperate with his Excellency in other projects”.

Mr. Fisher added: “the Norwegian economy is not only based on the oil production, the fishing industry is a strong economic figure as well as the national reserves and foreign investment which are very strong indeed”.

Paramount issues regarding Norway were also brought up such as it’s non-membership in the EU, it’s close ties to NATO and it’s current prosperity ultimately achieved through it’s large oil reserves.

Thanks go to Josh Nedeljkovic, spokesman for the Diplomatic Society for hosting the event.

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/1107.aspx