Norway supports Minsk process in solving Ukraine conflict

Norway said Tuesday it supports the Minsk process in solving the Ukraine conflict as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko paid his visit to the Nordic country.

During the talks between Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Poroshenko, both sides discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine and "Norway supports negotiating track established within the Minsk process and Normandy format," according to a statement from Solberg's office.

"Minsk agreements must be implemented in practice in order to contribute to a solution to the conflict," it said.

Poroshenko's trip to Oslo is the first time a sitting head of state of Ukraine is on an official visit to Norway. The visit is an expression of both countries' desire to strengthen and develop cooperation in the coming years, the statement said.

"I confirmed to Porosjenko that Norway will continue to support. We will contribute to long-term stability and development in Ukraine by supporting the Ukrainian government's implementation of reform plans," Solberg was quoted as saying in the statement.

At the conclusion of their talks, Solberg and Porosjenko signed a joint declaration on the partnership between the two countries, vowing to "work closely with the UN, the OSCE, NATO, the Council of Europe and other international organizations to strengthen international cooperation and regional security."

Meanwhile, the two country will "support a peaceful, negotiated political settlement based on the Minsk agreements" and "implement the non-recognition policy with regard to Crimea," according to the joint declaration.

Poroshenko will take part in a meeting with leaders of France, Germany and Russia in the so-called Normandy format in Berlin on Wednesday. Endit