Zimbabwe: Norway Commits to Share Expertise

By Staff Writer

Norway has revealed it plans to share expertise in natural resources management with Zimbabwe, pledged Ambassador to Harare Mr. Bard Hopland on Wednesday June 11.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo in Harare, Hopland said “We discussed also, in general, Norwegian experience within the area of natural resources management and management of revenue from natural resources, the Sovereign Wealth Fund, as you may know.”

He said, his government, have already provided experts in the field who also attended and participated in the parliamentary seminar on Zimbabwe-Asset on March 2014-will  continue to discuss with the Minister of Finance on how to could follow up on the issue of natural resources management and the Norwegian experience in that regard.

Foreigners in the northern Scandinavian country do not hold equity in natural resources or mineral reserves, as the government own these on the behalf of its citizens.

Hopland said he was committed to contribute to the development of the southern African country’s media industry.

The ambassador applauded the minister for his engagement approach with regards to media issues and encouraging him to align media laws and policies with the new Constitution. 

“We also discussed how we could contribute in this regard and he gave me some ideas that I will consider and continue to discuss with the minister and officials in his ministry,” he said.

However, sources who were present at the meeting said Prof Moyo expressed Government’s disgruntlement with Norway’s decision to stand with Britain on the illegal sanctions on President Robert Mugabes government.

“Prof. Moyo lamented, it was difficult to understand how Norway, which had supported Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle, sided with Britain and the EU on the issue of sanctions,” said the source.

“The minister said Norway was supposed to take a leadership role, to be an honest broker in the dispute between Britain and Zimbabwe.”