(BERLIN)- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Russia's military activities in the Arctic directly affect the security of Europe and said that defense and deterrence should be strengthened on NATO's northern border. Security, critical infrastructure and Arctic cooperation were on the agenda during his visit to Norway.
Wadephul, who met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Bodø, Norway, stated that Russia is trying to increase its influence in the Arctic and that its military capacity in the region should be closely monitored for the security of Central Europe. Wadephul emphasized that Norway plays a critical role in NATO's early warning system in the North Atlantic, and stated that the submarine communication cables and sea and air transportation routes passing through the region are of vital importance for the supply security of Germany and Europe.
The German Minister pointed out that Russia's hybrid activities towards Europe have increased in recent years. In this context, he pointed out that events such as disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, espionage activities, sabotage attempts against critical infrastructures, jamming of GPS signals, flying unmanned aerial vehicles over sensitive areas and violation of NATO airspace increase security risks.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide touched on the cooperation signed between Germany and Canada last week for the renewal of the submarine fleet worth billions of euros, and said that Canada is one of the important neighboring countries in the Arctic. Eide also announced that the two countries are considering developing cooperation on rocket launch infrastructure, satellite technologies and especially the joint use of satellites in polar orbit.
Wadephul and Eide visited the Norwegian Armed Forces Headquarters, built into the mountain at Reitan near Bodø. National and international military operations and NATO exercises are planned at the center, where approximately 300 personnel work, while coordination is ensured with the police, emergency aid teams and meteorological institutions. The two ministers then visited the Nord University Arctic Research Institute in Bodø by fast boat and received information about scientific activities in the region.