A handshake between Abbas and Støre, with Palestinian and Norwegian flags in the background.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre welcomes the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, to Norway. Credit: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB / POOL

Official translation (updated)

‘I am very pleased to welcome the Palestinian President to Norway. At the same time, I am deeply concerned about developments in Palestine. As we meet here in Oslo, the situation for the Palestinians remains extremely difficult,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

This is the first visit by President Abbas to Norway since Norway recognised Palestine as a state in May 2024.

Although the second phase of the peace plan has now officially been launched, the situation remains critical for the approximately two million people living in Gaza. The eastern part of Gaza is under Israeli control, and the scale of humanitarian need is enormous. The amount of food and emergency aid coming in is not sufficient, and roughly 80 % of the buildings are either damaged or completely destroyed.

The situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is dire. Palestinians are contending on a daily basis with settler violence, settlement expansion, Israeli military operations, house demolitions and extensive restrictions on their movement. Last Sunday, the Israeli authorities announced a range of new measures designed to increase Israeli control over the West Bank. This undermines the prospect of a future two-state solution.

‘A change of direction is needed in Palestine. Norway will continue to work with like-minded countries to achieve a two-state solution and to counter the destructive forces that are negatively influencing the situation,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway has been one of Palestine’s strongest supporters for decades. Norway maintains close contact with the Palestinian authorities, supports the efforts to build robust Palestinian institutions, and provides extensive humanitarian assistance. In 2025, Norway provided NOK 2.1 billion in support to Palestine.

‘The aim of our engagement in Palestine is to bring an end to the hostilities and occupation and secure a lasting political solution that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security. A genuine two-state solution is not only crucial for the Palestinians, but also for the Israelis, for stability in the Middle East and for European security,’ said Mr Støre.

The two delegations sitting around a table in the Government official residence.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre meets with the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, for talks at the Government’s official residence in Oslo. Credit: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB / POOL