Energy tops talks in German chancellor visit to Norway

Energy issues topped the agenda Wednesday when German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a brief visit to Norway for talks with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, according to dpa. Merkel said Norway was Germany's second largest source of natural gas and welcomed the close ties between the two countries. Both countries were members of NATO and have contributed forces to Afghanistan, she added. Stoltenberg said that in addition to natural gas, Norwegian hydropower could also play a role for Germany and its energy transition as it is phasing out nuclear power. 'This could help secure energy security and energy deliveries in Germany and Europe,' Stoltenberg said. Norway is not a member of the European Union and voters have twice voted against joining the bloc. Merkel said the Scandinavian country was likely the EU's 'most important non-member.' Both leaders noted that Merkel was among about 20 government leaders that visited Oslo on December 10 when the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize.