HE Ms. Hege Hertzberg, The Ambassador of Norway to Ghana
NORWEGIAN EMBASSY in Abidjan, serving the West African
Countries, has been relocated to Accra, Ghana, for strategic reasons, says one
of the top mission officials in Abidjan.
The first secretary of the embassy, Mr. Asgeir Stendal, said the decision to relocate was taken in October 2010 by the Norwegian government.
According to
him, the decision is due to political and economic reasons, because of the
country's relationship and interests in Ghana.
The decision to relocate the embassy to Ghana was more for political reasons, not because of the Ivorian political crisis.
The decision had already
been taken before the presidential election was held in Côte d'Ivoire last
year, said Mr. Stendal.
"The decision was taken because of the Norwegian government's larger interest in Ghana, aiming to establish a diplomatic web with the other countries, including the Ivory Coast.
We have already said goodbye to our friends
in the Ivorian diplomatic circle, as the embassy started its operation in Accra
on July 1. He added.
Mr. Stendal said the Norwegian government has approved
four million euros to assist the Ivory Coast in reconstruction after the
political crisis.
It will be recalled that the British embassy in the Ivory Coast
was also relocated to Accra after the first political crisis between 2002 and
2004.