Press Releases from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Norway has signed the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the most important global environmental agreement since the turn of the millennium. Read more

The UN Human Rights Council has passed a sharply worded resolution condemning the Syrian authorities’ use of violence and calling for an investigation into human rights violations in the country. Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “The Norwegian Government has taken a particular responsibility, both politically and financially, in the efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on reducing child and maternal mortality and improving access to reproductive health services. We therefore look forward to playing an active role in the UN Commission o... Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Marrakesh. We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.” Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway condemns the widespread use of violence and the killing of peaceful protesters in Syria, and urges the regime to put an immediate stop to all violence against civilians.” Read more

“I am pleased that the Norwegian journalist Ammar al-Hamdan is now safely out of Libya, and I would like to thank all those who have helped to make this possible,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

- Joining the WTO as an observer would contribute to fostering the Palestinian Authority’s capacity to build up a framework for export-led economic growth, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in his capacity as Chair of the AHLC. Read more

- I note with great satisfaction the World Bank suggestion that the Palestinian Authority’s delivery of public services and implementation of reforms now compare favourably with those of many middle income countries, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in his capacity as Chair of the AHLC. Read more

“Following Mr Gbagbo’s fall this week, it is crucial that Mr Ouattara now takes responsibility for putting an end to all violence and reprisals against Mr Gbagbo’s supporters and for protecting the civilian population against looting and abuse,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs commented, “The humanitarian situation in Côte d’Ivoire is getting worse every day. In response to this, Norway is providing an additional NOK 30 million in emergency assistance.” Read more

“Norway condemns Monday’s terrorist attack in Minsk. We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

It has been reported that the Thai authorities have used cluster munitions in Cambodia. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “If these reports are true, this is a very serious matter.” Read more

The five Nordic countries have agreed on a Nordic declaration of solidarity. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “This is yet another building block in our Nordic cooperation.” Read more

MediaUnit . .     Norway and Lithuania sign agreements on EEA and Norway Grants Today Norway and Lithuania signed agreements concerning the allocation of approximately NOK 660 million under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms. “The EEA and Norway Grants help to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe, and this is also to Norway’s benefit,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Read more

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon contacted Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Saturday 2 April to express his condolences in connection with the killing of the Norwegian officer in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan the day before. Read more

“The Norwegian Government condemns in the strongest terms today’s attack on a UN compound in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan, in which a Norwegian UN worker was among those who were killed,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

“The agreement will make the ties between us even closer and ensure regular contact on matters of importance to both countries,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

“There can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya. Efforts to find a political solution must start now,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more