Prime Minister David Thompson (right), chats with Norway’s Ambassador to Barbados, Torbjorn Holthe, during a courtesy call at Ilaro Court.
A study tour is on the cards for Barbados as part of Norway’s international assistance programme for emerging oil and gas producing countries under its Oil for Development Programme.
The offer was extended today by new Ambassador of Norway to Barbados, Torbjorn Holthe, during a courtesy call on Prime Minister David Thompson.
Mr. Thompson welcomed the invitation, noting that given Barbados’ limited drilling experience, any technological assistance would be appreciated.
Mr. Holthe also invited the Prime Minister to an international high-level conference on climate change slated for May 27 to 28 this year, in Bergen, Norway, which will be hosted by the Norwegian Government.
Mr. Thompson said that the opportunity to attend such a meeting was greatly appreciated, because the issue of climate change was very important to Barbados. He pointed out that a significant amount of coastal work had already been done here, and added that sea level rise and the intensity of hurricanes were two other areas of great concern.
The Prime Minister and the Norwegian envoy also discussed the possibility of working more closely in areas where the two countries have similar policies, including social security and quality of life issues.
Barbados and Norway established diplomatic relations in 1976 with Barbados’ accreditation to Norway being through the Barbados High Commission in London.