News and press releases

Norway declares 15 intelligence officers working at the Russian embassy in Oslo personae non gratae

13/04/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‘The 15 intelligence officers have been engaging in activities that are not compatible with their diplomatic status,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on airstrikes killing civilians in Myanmar

12/04/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‘I am horrified by reports of new military airstrikes killing civilians including children in Myanmar’, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on Israel

07/04/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‘I am appalled by the massive rocket attacks against Israel yesterday. Attacks against civilians are always unacceptable and must stop immediately’, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

Press Invitation: Informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Oslo, Norway

07/04/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

An informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be held in Oslo, Norway, on 31 May-01 June 2023. The meeting will be chaired by the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. The Foreign

A historic day for Finland and NATO

04/04/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Office of the Prime Minister

‘We welcome Finland as a member of NATO. This is a historic day for Nordic and European security. Finnish membership will strengthen not only Finland’s security, but also Nordic security and NATO as a whole,’ said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr

New Sanctions against Russia Implemented in Norwegian Law

04/04/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Norway has introduced a new set of sanctions against President Putin and the Russian regime. These sanctions mirror the EU’s tenth package of sanctions, which was adopted by the EU on 25 February 2023.

UN Human Rights Council in Geneva renews the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

03/04/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A resolution put forward by Norway was adopted without a vote in the UN Human Rights Council today. ‘The Special Rapporteur plays a key part in international efforts to protect human rights defenders. I am therefore pleased that the UN Human Rights

Norway contributes NOK 250 million to FAO crises response

03/04/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Norway increases support for crisis response under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The funding will enable FAO to rapidly help people maintain food production in crisis situations.

60 countries now support the Norwegian initiative against fisheries crime

31/03/2023 News story Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In 2018, Norway and eight other countries initiated a global ministers’ declaration against fisheries crime - known as the Copenhagen Declaration. Last week, nine new countries signed the declaration, which is now supported by a total of 60

Norwegian authorities help bring back citizens from Syria

29/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Norwegian authorities have provided assistance to two women and three children to bring them from the Roj camp in Syria to Norway. The two women have been informed that they will be arrested on their arrival in Norway. The best interests of the

Priorities for Norway’s Chairship of the Arctic Council

28/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Climate and Environment

‘We will work to ensure that the Arctic Council remains the leading international forum for Arctic issues. The pace of climate change is higher in the Arctic than in any other part of the world. This is a global challenge that we must address

Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on the developments in Israel

27/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'I am deeply concerned by the developments taking place in Israel. Things are continuing to deteriorate. Norway is following the ongoing judicial reform process closely and the Israeli authorities are well aware of our position. The demonstrations

Statement by Foreign Minister Huitfeldt on the volatile situation in Israel and Palestine

23/03/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'As we enter holiday seasons for Muslims, Jews and Christians alike, the situation in Israel and Palestine is fragile. I urge all actors to refrain from statements and actions that fuel tensions,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Norway to provide support for Cyclone Freddy victims

22/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‘The long-lasting tropical cyclone has caused widespread devastation. Norway is providing NOK 60 million to support the enormous humanitarian needs in Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique in the wake of Cyclone Freddy,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs

Norway deeply concerned by Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill

22/03/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Statement from Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 'Deeply concerned by Ugandan Parliament’s decision to pass Anti-Homosexuality Bill. If passed into law, it would threaten the human rights of all Ugandans and lead to increased discrimination and

Norway extends agreement on medical evacuation from Ukraine

21/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Care Services

Norwegian assistance in the medical evacuation of patients from Ukraine to hospitals in Europe is in high demand in the EU and Ukraine. The Norwegian Government is extending its agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on the transport of patients

Norway increases support in aftermath of earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

20/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs

‘A large amount of aid has already been delivered but the scale of need following this terrible tragedy remains enormous. Norway is now providing an additional NOK 100 million in support for the earthquake victims,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs

Norway congratulates the agreement in Ohrid, North Macedonia

19/03/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Statement from Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 'The agreement in Ohrid, North Macedonia, is an important step towards normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and stability on the Western Balkans. Congratulations to Kosovo,

Norway to provide NOK 2 billion to support Ukrainian government administration

17/03/2023 Press release Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister

‘The Ukrainian authorities need our help to be able to maintain critical services such as education, health care and payment of pensions. We will make sure that this funding reaches them quickly,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

New ambassadors from Georgia, Cyprus, Djibouti and Bangladesh

17/03/2023 News story Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Four new ambassadors to Norway presented their letters of credence to His Majesty King Harald V on 16 March 2023.