‘At a time of great global uncertainty, I am looking forward to welcoming our most important partner in Europe. Norway and Germany maintain close economic, security and military ties, and cooperate in a range of other areas as well,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On the agenda for the visit are space activities and the Cold Response military exercise. Mr Støre and Mr Merz will meet to discuss issues such as defence and security cooperation, the situation in Ukraine, and space cooperation.

Facts about Norway's cooperation with Germany

  • Germany is a close NATO Ally, a key partner in the EEA and Norway’s second largest trading partner in 2024.
  • Norway currently accounts for roughly 50 % of Germany’s gas imports. Norwegian companies exported goods to a value of NOK 193 billion to Germany last year, including gas, oil, metals and fish. Imports from Germany totalled NOK 94.5 billion in 2024.
  • More than 200 Norwegian companies have established a presence in Germany in the energy, maritime and defence sectors, among others. Germany is the third biggest investment market for the Government Pension Fund Global, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, with investments exceeding NOK 934 billion.
  • Norway and Germany have already established cooperation in the space sector. The potential in this area is considerable. Germany recently presented its new Space Safety and Security Strategy and will be investing EUR 35 billion over the next five years. Given Norway’s infrastructure, geography and niche capabilities in this field, it is clear that our two countries can complement each other in this sector to our mutual benefit.
  • Norway and Germany’s close, long-standing defence cooperation was recently further strengthened through the signing of a defence agreement. The two countries also cooperate closely in the defence industrial sector, including on the development, procurement and operation of new submarines.

Accreditation

Members of the media who wish to cover the visit must register for accreditation. The deadline for accreditation is 16:00 on Wednesday 11 March.

The programme will include visits to various places in North Norway. More details about the programme will be distributed to accredited media next week.

Those wishing to cover the entire visit may register for accreditation at the bottom of the Norwegian version of this page. 

Anyone wishing to cover the visit to Cold Response must also obtain accreditation from the Norwegian Armed Forces.

The press contacts for Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre are Communication Officer Ingrid Brandal Myklebust, telephone +47 99 50 19 17, email ingrid-brandal.myklebust@smk.dep.no, and Communication Officer Tone Hertzberg, telephone +47 91 19 13 13, email tone.hertzberg@smk.dep.no.