OSLO, December 05, 17:34 /ITAR-TASS/. Norway seeks to develop bilateral relations with Russia, Norwegian parliament speaker Olemic Thommessen told a news conference after a meeting with Russian Federation Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko on Thursday.

"It is very important for Norway to develop and expand bilateral relations with Russia, which is our ancient partner and a country with rich culture. We rivet big significance to further strengthening of relations with the Federation Council,” Thommssen said.

He named the meeting as constructive. The meeting focused on cooperation between the two countries and interaction within the Barents Euro-Arctic Region Council and environmental issues. “We say we reach mutual understanding on military issues, trade problems, economic cooperation and the eatviyenko said Norway remained Russia’s important partner and the parliaments of both countries should make contribution to the development of bilateral relations.

Both parties also discuss measures to expand parliamentary contacts. Matviyenko said Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg pledged to ensure the continuity to developing Russian-Norwegian relations.

Matviyenko said she sought to strengthen cooperation on a wide range issues. “The premier said Russian-Norwegian relations could be an example of good-neighbourly partnership,” Matviyenko said.