Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Monday inaugurated its new embassy building, the first green embassy in New Delhi. The Prime Minister is currently on a three-day visit to India.
MOS External Affairs General VK Singh and senior diplomats were also Present at the embassy.
Almost 95% of the materials for the new embassy has been brought from the local market in New Delhi as it is more sustainable to use materials suited for local conditions.
The new compound is constructed in a way that it leads rainwater back into the ground, including wells for rainwater harvesting. Geothermal wells circulate water in 30 well tubes sunk 100 meters into the earth.
“According to IMF, India will become the world’s 5th biggest economy this year, surpassing France&the UK. As India continues to be the fastest growing economy in G20, we see great scope for Norwegian-Indian partnerships in business, trade & investments,” She said at the inauguration.
On being asked is military is the solution to Kashmir issue, she said that she does not believe that military solutions solve the problem. “I believe in a peaceful solution. I believe in participation of women and youth in peace negotiation, “she said.
“If there is a movement in India&Pakistan for greater talks together, we’re sure there’ll be countries that would say that we can help in mediating if there is a possibility. It has to be partner-driven, it has to be those who are part in the conflict. Both are big enough to make sure they can decrease tension b/w them, without help from outside,” she added.
Earlier in the day, she also visited a government school in Uttar Pradesh where she interacted with children, their parents, teachers and local communities.
“I view education as fundamental to sustainable development. Access to quality education is a universal human right and is the key to unlocking opportunities for all, so that everyone can enjoy a better life,” she said during the interaction.