Norway assumes Vice Chair for Europe
Oslo, 1 - 2 September 2011
Report
At the invitation of Director General Bjørn Røse of Norway Customs, the new WCO Vice Chair for Europe, Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Oslo on 1 and 2 September to discuss the WCO agenda from a European regional point of view.
They reviewed the way regional interests are reflected in the WCO agenda, including border management, integrity and capacity building. They also visited the Oslo Cathedral to pay tribute to the victims of the recent twin attacks on 22 July. In this connection, they agreed on the importance of the Global Shield Programme and the need to urge Members to join this global initiative as chemical ingredients from overseas were used as explosives in the attacks.
Secretary General Mikuriya also visited NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development and Cooperation) to meet its Director General Ms. Villa Kulild and to explain WCO capacity building activities. NORAD has been supportive towards Customs modernization and recently showed its willingness to enhance its partnership with the WCO.