Orkney Islands Council and NORA have signed a cooperation agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement was signed in Kirkwall by political leader James Stockan and NORA's committee leader Kristján Þ. Halldórsson.

NORA works for closer cooperation in areas that are important for the region's development. The strategic objectives include, e.g., to contribute to the diversification of the region's economies with new and innovative solutions; green, competitive, and socially sustainable development in the North Atlantic, and to work for closer cooperation with the Nordic neighbours to the west, including Scotland.

There has previously been participation from Orkney in NORA projects, but the new Memorandum of Understanding agreement will make the collaboration easier and more practical. The agreement implies that project partners from Orkney can now apply for support from their own authorities for participation in NORA's project collaboration.

Also, Orkney and NORA agree to collaborate on challenges and opportunities related to strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening North Atlantic communities and regions.