Moscow and Oslo: new perspectives of cooperation

18 February 2011

On the invitation of Norwegian Association of reserve officers, delegation of the National Association of the Armed Forces Reserve Officers Organizations (MEGAPIR) paid a working visit to Oslo on the 17-18th of February 2011.

Russian delegation headed by Chairman of the Board of directors of «Megapir» Alexander Kanshin was received by the President of Norwegian Association of reserve officers, brigadier general Sigurd Hellstom and its Secretary general, colonel John Rogstad. Possible trends in cooperation between «Megapir» and Norwegian Association were discussed with Norwegian counterparts.

Russian delegation informed colleagues from Oslo about all round activity of the «Megapir», including intensification of international work and perspectives for expanding foreign ties.

Norwegian side in principle supported the idea to establish international mechanism for cooperation of reserve officers organizations — the International advisory council. It was noticed that missions and objectives of both Associations mainly correspond, including social adaptation and retraining of reserve officers, enforcement credibility of service, saving traditions and history of the army. Russian guests were informed about activity of Norwegian Association, its participation in work of European veteran and reserve officers organizations. Sigurd Hellstom stressed that «Russia and Norway were tied with long term good neighbour relations».

Sigurd Hellstom and John Rogstad were awarded the medal «For contribution to veterans movement», books of the Publishing house «Megapir», other printed and video materials about the Association.