The Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Mr Erik Solheim visited PNG and Australia 20 - 26 May 2008 for talks on climate issues. This was the first official visit to PNG by a Norwegian Minister ever.
28/05/2008 ::
Papua New Guinea
Mr. Solheim met with the Prime Minister, the Hon Sir Michael Somare in Port Moresby for talks on deforestation and forest degradation. He also had meetings with several other Minister, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Abal, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Benny Allan, and the Minister for Petroleum and Energy, William Duma. He also met with PNGs Special Envoy and Climate Ambassador, Mr. Kevin Conrad.
The Prime Minister and the Minister for Environment and Conservation hosted at dinner for the Norwegian Delegation in the State Function Room at the National Parliament House.
During their stay in PNG, the Delegation visited Weewak, the home town of the Prime Minister. In Wewak, the Norwegian Delegation was met by the Provincial Administrator, Mr. Samson Torovi.
Breakfast meeting with the Hon Prime Minister, Michael Somare
Photo: Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra
The Minister for Environment and Conservation, the Hon Benny Allan and Minister Solheim
Photo: Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra
Australia
In Australia, Mr. Solheim met Ministers of the Rudd Government, including the Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson; the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett; the Minister for Climate Change and Water, the Hon Penny Wong, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith.
The main focus was drought, climate change, deforestation, forest degradation, carbon capture and sequestration. The Delegation travelled to Mildura, a town on the Murray River, in north west Victoria to see the effects of the prolonged drought in Australia.
Australia and Norway work closely together in international negotiations on climate change through the Umbrella Group, which is a coalition of developed nations that Australia chairs.
The visit has strengthened the relationship between Australia and Norway on climate change, seeking ways to coordinate efforts to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by reducing deforestation and forest degradation. Both countries have made substantial financial commitments to combating global deforestation.
Mr. Solheim and Senator Penny Wong discussed ways the two countries could continue to work together in international negotiations, and through practical action, to reduce global emissions particularly by reducing deforestation.
A lake in Mildura, Victoria, Australia visited by the Norwegian Delegation. The soil in the lake is laced with sulphides that turn into sulphuric acid with prolonged contact with air.
Photo: Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra