The meeting focused on integrating Sami local knowledge into national defence strategies. Sami Parliament President Silje Karine Muotka emphasized that allied forces must be informed they are operating in an indigenous area when in the north. Increased military activity in the north has raised concerns at the Sami Parliament, especially during vulnerable periods like the ongoing reindeer calving and spring migration.
Kristoffersen acknowledged that good dialogue is crucial to avoid unwanted incidents, noting climate change is altering reindeer migration patterns and requiring updated considerations. Kristoffersen assured that NATO documents are clear soldiers must consider cultural heritage sites, and the state will take responsibility if allied forces damage reindeer pasture or such sites. The meeting occurred as security policy in the Nordic region is changing, with Norway gaining a strengthened strategic role after Sweden and Finland joined NATO.
And then we must ensure that it also becomes known to the foreign soldiers.
Norway is becoming an increasingly important reception and transit country for allied forces, involving an escalation in military activity in the north. Muotka and Kristoffersen agreed to establish annual meetings to strengthen cooperation.
When we have large exercises, it is the Defence that cleans up after the allies as well. Then we have a discussion with the allies afterwards about who should ultimately pay the bill. But the Defence is responsible for military activity on Norwegian soil.
My main message is that together we must find good solutions, and together strengthen both preparedness and resilience in the north. I experienced that the Sami Parliament president and I were very much in agreement on that.
There can be incidents where the Defence, or allies training with us, make mistakes if we do not have good enough dialogue. We know, for example, that climate change is altering the reindeer's migration pattern. There can be changes that happen at the last minute. Even if we have planned and coordinated well, we must consider the updated picture.