Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg found time to see Morgan Tsvangirai in between meetings with among others Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma - before announcing Norway’s contribution to make the 2010 World Cup the greenest one ever.
23/04/2008 ::
Offering climate technology
An extensive program awaited Norwegian Prime Minster Jens Stoltenberg on his second visit to South Africa this year. In a Cape Town seminar in late January, Stoltenberg announced Norway’s commitment to fight climate change in Southern Africa through assisting the region with funds and technology, enabling the region’s countries to adapt to the new global challenge.
The first stop on the three- day official visit to South Africa was Sasol’s Secunda plant in Mpumalanga. The plant produces petroleum products such as fuel and diesel from a coal basis, a process causing significant carbon emissions. Secunda is a typical example of the huge potential for carbon capture and storage in South Africa, as the better part of the country’s energy derive from coal.
In meetings Stoltenberg had with Sasol top executives an agreement was reached to further explore how Norwegian technology and funding can contribute to reduce emissions at Sasol plants.
Climate agreement with Deputy President
From Sasol Prime Minister Stoltenberg went on to sign a joint declaration on cooperation in the climate field with Deputy President Mlambo- Ngcuka at Union Buildings. The climate issue as well as the situation in Zimbabwe was also the main agenda points in Stoltenberg’s meeting with ANC President Jacob Zuma at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.
Met with Morgan Tsvangirai
Prime Minister Stoltenberg also found time for a meeting with Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. In the press conference following the meeting with Tsvangirai, Stoltenberg fully supported the MDC- leader in his calls for the election results in Zimbabwe to be released, and added that the Nordic countries are willing to give financial support to help stabilize a democratic Zimbabwe
- “The Nordic countries has been close friends with the Zimbabwean people for a long time, and we are ready to offer financial support to help stabilize the country and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Zimbabwe,” – Stoltenberg said.
Greening 2010
In the light of the tremendous environmental and climate challenges facing the world, South Africa as host of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, has announced that they will make this the first greenest World Cup ever. Building on experience from the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games, the Norwegian government has embraced the idea and request for partnership.
“First of all, I want to congratulate South Africa as the host of the first ever Soccer World Cup to be held in Africa, the City of Johannesburg for building a magnificent stadium and not at least I want to congratulate for making the environmental aspect a fundamental part of the championship.”
- said Stoltenberg at his visit at the 2010 World Cup’s prime arena, Soccer City in Johannesburg, also holding up the symbolic power of the arena, the former FNB Stadium, as the place where Nelson Mandela held one of his famous speeches when recently released from prison.
Meeting with Madiba and Soweto
Stoltenberg and his wife Ms Ingrid Schulerud, also found time for a meeting with President Nelson Mandela at the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 1993 in Oslo for his efforts to secure a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. Among the topics discussed was Mandela’s visit to Tromsø, Norway to years back in relation with the 46664 campaign, as well as the work of the foundation.
Ms Schulerud spent the morning in Soweto visiting the branches of the African Children’s Feeding Scheme (ACFS) also known as Malabese. Ms Schulerud visited three of the organizations feeding centres in various Soweto townships and was clearly impressed by the important community work undertaken by the now 60 year old organization.