News

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway strongly condemns the increasing use of violence in Syria, where thousands have been killed. We deeply deplore the Syrian authorities’ gross human rights violations against the country’s own population.” Read more

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg gave the following speech on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day 27 January 2012 in Oslo. Read more

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre gave a presentation called ‘In defence of dialogue’ under an ICRC conference in Geneva in November 2011.  The presentation is published on ted.com and can be watched here . Read more

Today one hundred years have passed since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his expedition became the first to reach the South Pole. In a speech at the South Pole Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today honoured Amundsen and his men. He also paid tribute to the bravery of British explorer Robert F. Scott and his expedition. Read more

From 12 to 15 December Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg is visiting the South Pole to mark the centenary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team reaching the Pole in 1911, and to underline the importance of the Antarctic continent in relation to global climate change. Read more

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman are each in their own right worthy winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Government welcomes the award of this year’s prize to these three women. It is recognition of women’s non-violent efforts to promote peace and democracy,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

The five Nordic foreign ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East today, focusing particularly on relations between Israel and the Palestinians in the wake of this week’s vote in UNESCO. Although the Nordic countries’ positions differed as regards the timing of Palestinian membership of UNESCO, they agree that the way forward must be based on a resumption of negotiations and the visi... Read more

Today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched this year’s Human Development Report. The report includes the 2011 Human Development Index, which measures countries’ ability to provide opportunities for people to improve their living conditions. Norway is at the top of this index. Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I welcome the agreement between Hamas and Israel on the release of Gilad Shalit and exchange of prisoners. Norway’s position all along has been that Shalit’s imprisonment was unacceptable, and we have been among the countries actively working for his release.” Read more

“I am concerned about developments in Cairo over the last 24 hours, and deeply deplore the extensive use of violence against Coptic protesters on 9 October. Egypt plays a key role in the region, and it is vital that the democratic transition process doesn’t come to a halt,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg commented, “This is an important recognition of the role they have played in ensuring women’s safety and right to participate in peace-building work. Women’s participation is crucial in promoting peace and preventing conflict.” Read more

Opening Address by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Chair of the AD Hoc Liaison Committee, at the AHLC meeting in New York 18 September 2011 Read more

Today, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC) commended the Palestinian Authority for its implementation of the government programme over the last three years, and confirmed that it would continue to provide support to complete institution building and ensure a sustainable Palestinian economy. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “We... Read more

“The attack on the Israeli Embassy in Cairo last night is very serious. Norway condemns the violence and the violation of embassy premises and deplores the loss of life,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

“The Syrian regime has not stopped the violence against its own people in spite of international condemnation. We agree with the clear signals from the EU to the regime in Syria. Norway will therefore align itself with the EU’s expanded sanctions against Syria,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution today condemning the Syrian authorities’ grave and systematic human rights violations. “The resolution sends a clear signal to the Syrian pro-democracy movement that it has the international community’s support,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

“I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks carried out in Israel today. Our thoughts go to those who have been affected and their families,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre following a series of terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Thursday morning. Read more

Following Friday's horrific and tragic attacks on the government offices in Oslo and on the youth summer camp at Utøya, a book of condolences will be open for signing at the Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, 10.00 – 12.00, and Wednesday, 10.00 – 12.00. The book of condolences will be open for signing in the Oak Room at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday, 10.00 – 12.00. Royal... Read more

“If one man can show so much hatred, imagine how much love we can show together.” So said a young woman who lost friends on the island of Utøya during the attacks of Friday 22 July. The quote has been widely embraced by survivors, families and political leaders in Norway. Read more

The Palestinian people face the threat of a serious economic crisis as pledged funding for the Palestinian Authority is not being paid. An economic crisis would hit the people of Gaza particularly hard. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre said, “All donors should make an extra effort to support the Palistinians this summer and autumn.” Read more