- Large Potential in Nordland, Undersecretary Says

- It is of global importance that the Arctic also remains a region of peaceful cooperation, respect for international law and sustainable management of resources, Undersecretary Bård Glad Pedersen (H) of the Foreign Ministry said at the opening of the High North Dialogue-conference in Bodø today.

- Indeed, developments are under way that could make Bodø a locomotive for development of northern Norway, Glad Pedersen said, referring to the recent decision to examine alternative locations of the airstrip in Bodø.

Bodø is in the Undersecretary's opinion already an important hub for search and rescue preparedness in northern Norway.

Nordland is the second largest county in Norway when it comes to fish export, exporting to the amount of 9,4 billion Norwegian kroner, last year. Export of metals and chemical products surpassed 13 billion Norwegian kroner last year.

- Indeed, Nordland is among the regions with the largest potential for value creation based on maritime resources, minerals, tourism and renewable energy, Glad-Pedersen said.

- It is only by bringing together bright heads that we can produce the bright ideas we need in order to take the High North and indeed the whole world forward, he continued.

The challenge, first and foremost, are the climate changes the whole Arctic is experiencing:

- This demand that we act responsibly in developing the Arctic, the Undersecretary said.