The Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen has compared the head of Russian diplomacy to an unofficial symbol of Russia, calling his visit to the city of Tromsø for talks with his recently inaugurated Norwegian colleague Anniken Witfeldt – “the visit of a Russian bear”
According to Narodnye Novosti, Norwegian journalists are seriously worried whether their foreign minister will be able to speak on equal terms with political heavyweight Lavrov, who is also, according to Norwegians, a complex character.
“Quite like a Russian bear, Lavrov is unpredictable. He gives a bear hug to people with whom he has a good relationship,” the editorial pointed out.
The Norwegian newspaper notes that the success of the talks will largely depend on the atmosphere, although the very fact that Lavrov has found time in his busy schedule to visit Norway is already encouraging to the local media.
“But which Lavrov will come to meet with Witfeldt, time will tell”, – the journalists concluded.
During the visit, Lavrov intends to participate in a meeting of the Barents Regional Council, as well as to discuss with his Norwegian colleagues the bilateral relations between Moscow and Oslo, which at the moment are far from ideal.