Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Espen Barth Eide (Lab.)

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Åsmund Grøver Aukrust (Lab.)

Minister of International Development

The main task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to secure and promote Norway’s interests internationally. Norway’s interests are determined by such factors as its geographical location in a strategically important area, its open economy, its position as a coastal state and steward of substantial marine resources, and its extensive exports of oil and gas.
Åsmund Aukrust i Sør-Sudan

Huge Drop in Global Aid: “Deeply Concerned,” said Minister of International Development

Press release 09/04/2026

Official Development Assistance (ODA) fell by 23.1 per cent in 2025, according to recent figures from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This is the largest annual decline recorded in ODA statistics. Norway was the only country with ODA exceeding one percent of gross national income (GNI).

Bilde av utenriksminister Espen Barth Eide som intervjues utendørs

Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the Israeli attacks in Lebanon

News story 09/04/2026

‘I condemn the massive Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have caused immense suffering and destruction. A great many of the attacks took place without warning across the country, whilst children and ordinary people were going about their daily lives. In the space of 24 hours, nearly 200 people were killed and 1,000 injured. Civilians, healthcare workers and hospitals have been hit hard.