Brexit tops agenda for Norway minister’s visit to Scotland
Brexit and cooperation with Norway will be on the agenda when Scotland’s rural economy minister Fergus Ewing, and environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham, meet Norwegian fisheries minister Per Sandberg later this week.
"When Britain leaves the EU, it is important for Norway to endorse the good cooperation with our neighbours on the other side of the North Sea,” said Sandberg, who visits Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday.
“I am concerned that we will get good deals in future as well. A good relationship does not bother me, but I have good contact with my colleagues in the British Isles.”
Ewing said: “I look forward to meeting the Norwegian minister. It is an opportunity for both myself and Roseanna Cunningham to discuss the Norwegian government’s approach to aquaculture and how that aligns with our own vision to grow the sector sustainably.
“Our aquaculture sector now supports more than 12,000 jobs and makes a major contribution to the economy in remote rural, island and coastal areas by supporting high-skilled employment in local communities and releasing a series of in direct benefits throughout the supply chain.
“We recognise the close links of our farmed salmon and seafood producers with Norwegian companies. This meeting will provide a chance to explore further opportunities, while also considering how we might learn from Norway in the area of fish health, sustainable growth and indeed, enabling more home-grown businesses to develop.
“And of course Norway is a key partner for fisheries and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our cooperation with them in this area.”
In addition to Brexit and aquaculture, mackerel is on the agenda, and Sandberg will also meet representatives of Scottish fishing organisations in Edinburgh.
