Radom Academy of Economic was hosted the Norwegian Ambassador His Excellency Karsten Klepsvik.

Over 120000 Poles in Norway, 1500 Norwegian students in Poland, over 1000 years of history, the same priorities in relation to the security of both countries are just a few of many reasons why the relations between Poland and Norway should be continuously tightened up admitted the Ambassador of Norway His Excellency Karsten Klepsvik that was a guest of Radom Academy of Economics on the 9^th of April 2014. Apart from delving into the bilateral relations between Poland and Norway, the Ambassador conducted a very interesting lecture on Geopolitics on the High North.

The lecture started with a presentation on a definition of Arctic region and the neighboring countries. It is a huge region rich in numerous natural resources, mainly oil and natural gas. Because of that, the region gets more and more attention from its neighboring countries such as Norway, Russia, the USA, Canada, Denmark as they see many financial benefits. As there is no one clear law regulating the politics on the High North, there is a fear that the arctic region may once become a reason of political disputes among the arctic countries. Mr. Ambassador, however, expressed doubts that this scenario could  become a reality.

The second part of the lecture related to the bilateral relations between Poland and Norway. The history of both countries dates back to the 10^th century. Poland and Norway were the first countries in Europe to acquire the modern Constitutions. The Polish troops significantly contributed to the fights against Nazi-Germany. During the 1980’s, over 100000 Norwegians supported the Solidarity Party in Poland. Apart from the close historical ties, the present Polish-Norwegian relations are maintained in the spirit of cooperation on different levels. Poland and Norway conduct a trade worth 15 billions zlotys a year. Poland is one of the biggest markets for Norwegian seafood. What is more, Poland and Norway have the same priorities when it comes to the defense and security issues. That is why the cooperation between Poland and Norway should be greater than ever said the Ambassador of Norway.

The lecture ended up with an open debate during which the students were asking the questions connected with an educational sector. Mr. Ambassador told us that a big Norwegian budget is going to be given to Poland that aims at improving the scientific cooperation between both countries as well as covering the scholarships for students who want to pursue an educational path in Norway. The lecture took place on the 9^th of April 2014 at Radom Academy of Economics at Traugutta street 61a.