will make his first official overseas visit to Norway
this week, as the UK strengthens its relationship with key
international partner.
On this trip Mr Murray will met energy investors to highlight
Scotland's world-leading energy sector and UK Government's clean
energy mission. This follows £125 million allocated in the Budget
towards establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen,
Norway is a key partner for Scotland and the UK, in trade,
defence, and energy. The Scottish Secretary's visit will deepen
these ties, to bring benefits to people and businesses in both
Scotland and Norway.
Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of
Norway in July, where they discussed the importance of energy
security and working together on green energy and renewables.
Following on from this, the Secretary of State will meet a number
of Norwegian companies who are investors in wind and low carbon
projects. That includes Equinor who are a major supplier of
energy to UK households and Operate the Hywind Scotland windfarm
off the North East coast of Scotland.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Murray said:
We are committed to maximising Scotland's influence abroad, and
selling ‘Brand Scotland' across the world. Norway and the UK are
key partners in energy, trade and defence, and my visit will help
strengthen those ties. Norway is an important provider of clean
energy, and of course Scotland's energy sector is world-leading.
I look forward to meeting a number of energy companies to discuss
our journey to clean energy by 2030, the role of GB Energy, and
encourage their further investment in Scotland's green clean
future.
Last week the Chancellor's Budget demonstrated how the UK
Government is investing in Scotland's future and laying the
foundations for economic growth across the UK - including through
funding for Green Freeports, City and Growth Deals, GB Energy and
hydrogen projects.
The visit to Norway will also help cement relations with one of
the UK's most important strategic trade and defence allies. Mr
Murray will meet Norwegian ministers, and visit Kongsberg, a
world leading defence contractor part owned by the Norwegian
Government. Kongsberg supports 3500 jobs in the UK, including in
Aberdeen and Dunfermline.
The Secretary of State for Scotland and the Norwegian Ambassador
to the UK, Tore Hattrem, recently visited the Royal Navy's HMS
Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. The carrier has recently taken
part in Operation Strike Warrior – the biggest maritime training
exercise in Europe, involving Norway and other NATO allies,
operating under challenging conditions off the west coast of
Scotland.
Mr Murray will also meet the Norwegian government to discuss
local economic growth, and support to remote communities.
