Press Releases from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“I congratulate Somalia on the inauguration of a new federal parliament and the well-conducted election of a new Speaker of Parliament. Somalia has a parliament for the first time in more than 20 years. The election of a Speaker of Parliament brings hope of stabilisation and cooperation,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

The Norwegian Government agreed to cancel USD 7.3 million of Guinea’s debt to Norway. Read more

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has today appointed the Norwegian diplomat Mari Skåre as the Alliance’s first special representative for women peace and security. Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre expressed sorrow on receiving news of the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s death. “The ties between Norway and Ethiopia go back a long way, and during Mr Meles’s term in office Ethiopia and Norway have enhanced their cooperation in several important areas,” he commented. Read more

The trial against the activists in the girl band Pussy Riot has attracted widespread attention both in Russia and internationally. In the view of the Norwegian authorities, the sentence of two years’ imprisonment imposed on the three women gives cause for concern. Read more

Norway is seriously concerned that manipulation of the current election process in Somalia could undermine prospects for political stability in the country. Read more

Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås commented, “Norway is the first country in the world to review its loans to developing countries, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on foreign debt and human rights. This means that Norway is setting the gold standard in this area.” Read more

“I am pleased and relieved that the four aid workers from the Norwegian Refugee Council have now been brought to safety,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

Today, the North Atlantic Council discussed Syria’s shooting down of a Turkish plane on 22 June. Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway supports NATO’s condemnation of the shooting down of the Turkish plane. Turkey was right to consult NATO in this matter, and it was important that it did so.” Read more

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is currently visiting Afghanistan. This visit is part of the regular contact between the Afghan and Norwegian authorities to follow up the Norwegian civilian and military efforts in the country, and provides an opportunity to meet Norwegian personnel who are serving there. Read more

The results of the second round of the Egyptian presidential election, held on 16–17 June, were due to be announced on Thursday 21 June. According to the Egyptian presidential election commission, the results have been delayed because both candidates have filed complaints of election fraud. Read more

Thousands of families and many children have been driven from their homes due to the military operations in northwest Pakistan. Norway is increasing its humanitarian aid to this area. Read more

Norway is entering into agreements on energy cooperation amounting to NOK 850 million with Ethiopia, Kenya and Liberia. Read more

Norway will be founding member of the new international Global Green Growth Institute. Read more

The delegations from the UN member states have agreed on a draft outcome document for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20. Read more

“Well-functioning and accessible health services are crucial for development in poor countries,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås. Norway is donating NOK 460 million to the World Health Organization with the aim of promoting better health for all. Read more

Aung San Suu Kyi is to visit Norway from 15 to 18 June. Read more

The US and Norway agreed today to increase efforts together to improve women’s and children’s health in poor African countries through the Saving Mothers, Giving Life partnership. Norway will provide up to NOK 500 million over a five year period, which will be used to help women and babies through childbirth and the critical first 24 hours after delivery. Read more

On 28 May Guy Ryder, a British citizen, was elected as the new Director-General of the ILO in Geneva. Mr Ryder, who was nominated by worker members of the Governing Body, is currently ILO Executive Director for International Labour Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. He has extensive experience, including as General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation... Read more

“I am pleased to note that the parties have shown a willingness to negotiate at this week’s talks in Baghdad. Although the talks have been challenging and intense, the negotiating teams are making an important diplomatic contribution,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more