The President of the Storting, Olemic Thommessen, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo: The Storting.
The Presidium meets the Prime Minister of Japan
In their meeting, the Presidium – the office of the presidency in the Storting – and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the marine and maritime sectors, climate issues and educational and research collaboration.
Photographs from the visit. The pictures may be used freely if credited.
“Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set aside plenty of time for his meeting with the Norwegian delegation. A number of issues were discussed, such as gender equality, maritime industries and trade cooperation in general. The Norwegian delegation emphasised the opportunities offered by research and technological development, particularly in the climate context,” said the President of the Storting, Olemic Thommessen, after meeting the Japanese Prime Minister.
The meeting on Tuesday 8 March was part of the Presidium’s programme for its official visit to Japan.
The Presidium in the gallery at the Diet, the Japanese legislature, being greeted from the chamber during the Presidium’s official visit. Photo: The Storting.
Potential for closer cooperation
During the meeting the President of the Storting was curious to learn more about how Japanese technology can help cut emissions and limit climate change – a field offering potential for closer cooperation between the two countries.
The extensive Norwegian-Japanese collaboration in the marine and maritime sectors was also discussed. Both countries are interested in building on their existing cooperation.
Mr Abe also raised the issue of gender equality in the meeting, stating that Japan has much to learn from Norway in this area. He pointed out that Japan faces great challenges due to its aging and shrinking population, and must therefore increase women’s participation in the labour force.
Norwegian fish being shown to Fifth Vice President Line Henriette Hjemdal, Fourth Vice President Ingjerd Schou and Second Vice President Kenneth Svendsen at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. To the right: Masahiko Sakamoto, Dai-Ichi Suisan Co., Ltd, and Masahiko Sugimura, Ocean Trading Co., Ltd. Photo: The Storting.
Demand for Norwegian fish
The Presidium began its day with a visit to Tsukiji, Japan’s largest fish market.
Between 30 and 40 per cent of Norwegian fish exports are sold to Japan. In the talks with Prime Minister Abe and other politicians, it was stated that the Japanese market is hungry for Norwegian fish, and that there is potential to boost export volumes.
At the fish market, the Presidium were shown Norwegian salmon and trout, both of which are popular with fish buyers.
“I am pleased about the growing Japanese market for Norwegian trout,” said Second Vice President Kenneth Svendsen, adding that the Speaker of the House of Councillors had also identified a potential for increased exports of Norwegian salmon to the Japanese market.
“These statements hold the promise of increased Norwegian seafood exports to Japan,” said Svendsen.
Further reading
Eager to learn more about Norwegian gender equality
Powerful meeting with Hiroshima
Storting’s Presidium visits Japan
Last updated: 09.03.2016 13:25