THE Norwegian Armed Forces and European NATO allies are to "work out a co-ordinated" response to secure critical energy infrastructure offshore Norway, a spokesperson for Norway's Ministry of Defence told Upstream. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced on 30 September that the military presence offshore Norway would be increased, and welcomed proposed contributions from NATO allies - namely Germany, France and the UK - which vowed a military contribution to Europe's key pipeline gas supplier. "We are in dialogue with our allies to increase our presence in the Norwegian sector, and have accepted contributions from Germany, France and Great Britain," Store said. The Defence Ministry's spokesperson told Upstream on 3 October that "the Norwegian Armed Forces have already enhanced their presence in relevant geographic areas and are conducting patrols with assets on land, in the air, at sea, under water and in cyberspace". "Allies have also offered support. We welcome these offers, and the details are now being worked out in a co-ordinated effort. It is too early to specify further at this point."
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