Ambassador Jane Owen arrived in Norway, April 2010, and succeeds Mr. David Powell as British Ambassador to Norway. Enclosed is an introductory message kindly composed by Ambassador Owen.

Friday, 11th June 2010

The Embassy is working hard to build on the very strong links which already exist between the United Kingdom and Norway. Our history of cooperation during the Second World War will be highlighted this month (May) when we will remember those who fought tirelessly on both sides in support of freedom and justice. As joint partners in NATO, the United Kingdom and Norway work closely together today in Afghanistan and peacekeeping operations in Africa. I am also struck by our strong cultural and educational links, which see thousands of Norwegian students attending university in the UK each year.

Energy is one of the main areas of focus for the Embassy. Norway supplies a large percentage of the oil and gas which we import, and we are also collaborating on a number of technological projects to promote green living and lower carbon footprints. Norway is an important partner for us as we work towards an ambitious outcome for the UN climate negotiations in Cancun, Mexico in November 2010. We will be an active participant in the REDD Conference on deforestation, which Prime Minister Stoltenberg will host. And we are also working with Norway and other Arctic nations to ensure that the policies and regulations that will govern the future of the High North are well coordinated and supported by all neighbouring countries.

As members of the BNCC, you are all in the forefront of our trade & investment relationship, which creates new economic and technology opportunities each day. I hope you are talking to our Trade and Investment team at the Embassy, who can help you access decision makers, get market information and hold events in Norway. If you are an investor looking to move overseas, we can help you expand into the UK which provides the perfect springboard for doing business in Europe and beyond.

Finally, the volcanic ash crisis has reminded us all how quickly we become vulnerable in a crisis. The Embassy is here to help you, so if you are a British citizen living or travelling in Norway, please make sure you have put your contact details on our LOCATE website - this will help us contact you quickly in a crisis and provide information and help when you need it.

If you need to contact the Embassy, please use this email britemb@online.no if you would like to contact the Trade and Investment team, please use comsec@online.no.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Jane Owen

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