Brazil has invited Norway as a partner among the world’s major economic powers when it takes over the leadership of the G20 next year.

Norway will be one of eight guest countries under Brazil’s leadership in 2024. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide as well as a number of prominent diplomats and bureaucrats will participate in meetings with international politicians and experts next leading. year.

– Brazil has shown great confidence in us by inviting us to contribute to the work at the G20 next year. This reflects the extensive and good cooperation we have and have had with Brazil in many areas for many years, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) told Aftenposten.

Norway received a suitable guest role in 2017 under the leadership of Germany.

– Norway is very happy about it. You participate in parallel with the G20 countries in many meetings and processes, Støre said.

The G20 is a network of the world’s most important economies. These industries account for 80 percent of world value creation, 75 percent of world trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

Apart from Norway, Angola, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Nigeria, Portugal and Singapore were also invited.

– Norwegian Confession

According to Støre, the role was “a recognition that over time Norway has built experience that Brazil finds attractive”.

– They could have gone to 40 other countries in Europe, but chose us. This will be an opportunity for Norway to influence important decisions regarding the big questions of our time.

– G20 countries are working to address climate, environmental and energy transitions, the fight against poverty and social inequality, as well as global health issues, Støre said.

An important reason why Norway was invited is because for more than 15 years we have collaborated with Brazil to reduce deforestation in the Amazon. President Lula took over as president at the turn of the year and prioritized rainforest preservation.

– Brazil said that, among other things, Norway’s role in forests and climate, energy and food security is the reason why we are now invited as a guest country in this central cooperation, said Støre.

An important trading partner

Brazil is also Norway’s most important trading partner after the United States and the EU. New opportunities now open to deepen collaboration.

Norway will also provide experts in various working groups throughout the year. Brazil prioritizes the fight against hunger, poverty and inequality, energy transition, sustainable development, and reform of multilateral institutions.

In addition, Brazil plans at least 20 high-level meetings. His leadership ends with a summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. All heads of state of the G20 countries and special invitees may participate here.

– As a guest country, Norway can participate politically and professionally in all arenas and meeting places covered by G20 cooperation. This will open up unique opportunities to listen and learn, and influence important processes that we usually don’t have good access to, says Støre.

Don’t relax at the UN

Earlier this fall, Norway was left out of the speaker list at the UN climate summit in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said only countries with credible plans to restructure their fossil industries should speak.

– Is it a paradox if we are not allowed to join the UN, but are invited to the G20?

– Norway was present at the meeting. But we were not one of the 50 countries that spoke. We can live with that.

– Our foreign minister has been given an important role as a driving force to achieve further emissions reductions during climate negotiations in Dubai. This shows that Norway is considered an important partner in achieving the goals we set out in the Paris Agreement, Støre concluded.