Press Releases from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The delegations in Geneva represent Norway in numerous international organisations within the fields of trade, human rights, humanitarian issues, disarmament, global health and other issues. Read more
“The Syrian winter is harsh and cold, and the hard-hit population is in desperate need of assistance to meet basic needs such as shelter. We have therefore disbursed NOK 35 million to Syrian refugees and internally displaced people,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide commented. Read more
On Monday Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg will host a working lunch for EU leaders who will be in Oslo to attend the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony. Read more
“The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces gathers the opposition groups that are fighting for democratic rule in Syria. In the current situation, Norway considers the National Coalition to be the legitimate representative of the Syrian people,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide commented. Read more
From today, internally displaced persons in 15 African countries will enjoy better protection through the entry into force of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, also known as the Kampala Convention. Read more
“The global balance of power is shifting towards the south and the east. A number of countries are playing a more significant role due both to their economic strength and their international ambitions. In order to safeguard Norwegian interests effectively, it is therefore important that we continue the process of moving the Foreign Service’s resources to where they are most needed,” said Foreig... Read more
“I am deeply concerned about the Israeli Government’s reprisals against the Palestinians following last week’s vote in the UN General Assembly. The construction of a further 3 000 housing units in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine diminishes the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian territory, weakens confidence between the parties and undermines the prospects of achieving peace,” said... Read more
“The fact that the Israeli authorities are withholding the Palestinian clearance revenues in December is very unfortunate,” commented Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Read more
Norwegian aid to the Ugandan state has been suspended for an indefinite period. “It is particularly serious that the Office of the Prime Minister in Uganda is implicated in one of the most severe corruption cases involving Norwegian aid funds. Uganda needs to make a far more credible effort to clear up this corruption scandal,” said State Secretary Arvinn Eikeland Gadgil at a meeting with... Read more
“I am delighted to see the overwhelming support the Palestinians have received for their application to become an observer state in the UN General Assembly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Read more
Norway will support the Palestinians’ bid to upgrade their status to become a non-member observer state when the matter is discussed in the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 November. “In my view, the Palestinians have put forward a constructive and balanced proposal. The proposal confirms their commitment to negotiations and a two-state solution as the only lasting political solution to th... Read more
Health-care workers must be better protected in areas of conflict such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. This was the main issue discussed today at the meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer. Read more
Never before have so many UN member states supported the fight against the death penalty. “This is a very welcome development,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Read more
“After a week of hostilities, it is very positive that the parties have agreed on a ceasefire,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Read more
Le gouvernement vient de décider d’effacer la dette contractée par la Côte d’Ivoire auprès de la Norvège, soit une créance d’environ 198 millions de couronnes. Read more
“Norwegian defence industry companies play an important role in value creation, and the export of defence materiel is continuing at a high level. The Government attaches importance to ensuring that the defence industry has good and predictable framework conditions. At the same time, we will safeguard and further develop clear and stringent legislation for the export of defence materiel,” Minist... Read more
“We are deeply concerned about the reports of growing numbers of civilians killed and injured in Gaza and southern Israel following the acts of violence in recent days. The escalation of the violence is worrying, and any further escalation could have grave consequences. A great responsibility now rests on all parties to bring an end to the hostilities as quickly as possible,” said Minister of... Read more
A range of Syrian opposition groups, including the Syrian National Council, reached agreement at the weekend on the formation of a broad coalition against President Assad. Read more
Ancien ministre de l’Environnement et du Développement international, Erik Solheim assurera la prochaine présidence du Comité d’aide au développement de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économique (OCDE). Read more
Former Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim is to be the new chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Read more