The prime ministers issued the “Declaration of Riksgransen” at the conclusion of the first Nordic Globalization Forum in Riksgransen, a small town in northern Sweden.

The prime ministers vowed to “further intensify the efforts to remove border fences for the free movement of people, institutions and enterprises” as the Nordic region faces a number of economic challenges posed by globalization, according to the declaration.

Nordic countries will also deepen integration with Baltic countries to establish a common platform within the European Union, said the declaration, adding that they should also have a common strategy to face the challenges of climate change.

In response, Nordic countries will work out an environment initiative for 2009 to 2012 and an energy action plan for 2010 to 2013, it said.

Participants of the forum also included representatives of trade and industry, media, the research community, individuals and NGOs in the Nordic countries.

The meeting is the first of its kind for Nordic prime ministers, who have also decided at the forum to make the gathering an annual event. (Xinhua)