International relations

Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe: Strengthening the Impact of the Council of Europe’s Activities

Strasbourg, 16 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.05.2013]

- We meet at a very important moment. As we here from the Secretary General the founding principles of this organisation, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are again under pressure in Europa. We have to take that very seriously, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, in his statement at the Council of Europe's meeting.

The Niwano Peace Prize to Gunnar Stålsett

Tokyo, 16 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.05.2013]

Ambassador Arne Walther gave this message on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, at the award ceremony.

National statement by Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide

Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting, Kiruna, 15 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15.05.2013]

"The great interest that that non-Arctic states are taking in the coming observership is a tribute to the good work we have done together. I think it is very important to welcome the new observers and to appreciate their interest to working with us on the basis of the principles that we have agreed to”, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said at the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Kiruna, 15 May.

Arctic Council welcomes new observers

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15.05.2013]

“I am pleased that six new countries and the EU have been granted observer status in the Arctic Council. This confirms the Arctic Council’s key position as an international forum for discussing Arctic issues,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, who is taking part in the Kiruna Ministerial Meeting.

Five Years of Challenging Power

Oslo Freedom Forum, 14 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14.05.2013]

- Promoting freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law is at the very top of Norway’s foreign policy agenda. Our engagement in this area is both a reflection of solidarity and of self-interest, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, in his remarks at the Oslo Freedom Forum.

Biannual address to the Storting on important EU and EEA matters

Oslo, 14 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14.05.2013]

"Our close and active dialogue with the EU on Arctic issues has over time resulted in a very positive development in EU views in this area", said Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his biannual address to the Storting.

Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Freedoms of Persons belonging to Religious Minorities

Guidelines for the Norwegian Foreign Service, Oslo, May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2013]

"Norway’s diplomatic and consular missions can play an important role by supporting human rights defenders in this field, asking the right questions, and providing information, for example in the Universal Periodic Review process under the Human Rights Council", write Minister of Foreign Afffairs, Mr. Eide, and Minister of International Development, Mr. Holmås, in this foreword.

Accreditation for the Barents Summit in Kirkenes 3–4 June 2013

Media Advisory

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2013]

The first 20 years of the Barents cooperation will be marked with a meeting of prime ministers in Kirkenes from 3 to 4 June. Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg will host the meeting. The deadline for accreditation is 27 May.

Webcast: Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime - Minorities under Pressure in Europe and Beyond (day 1)

Webcast will start 0830 CET, 14 May

[Mediaobject, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10.05.2013]

On 14-15 May, international experts and stakeholders will gather in Oslo for a two-day conference on right-wing extremism and hate crime directed towards minorities in Europe and beyond.

Webcast: Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime - Minorities under Pressure in Europe and Beyond (day 2)

Webcast

[Mediaobject, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10.05.2013]

Webcast