Closer cooperation between Norway and Japan

After their meeting in Japan, the two Prime Ministers issued a joint declaration announcing the strategic partnership between Norway and Japan.

‘I am very pleased that we are now strengthening Norway’s cooperation with Japan. My meeting with Prime Minister Kishida confirmed that our two countries have common interests in a range of areas. We have drawn up a joint declaration reaffirming the close ties between our two countries and outlining the full breadth of areas for further cooperation,’ said Prime Minister Støre.  

• Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway (PDF)

Norway is seeking closer political dialogue with Japan on issues of common interest to both countries. These include security policy, trade, human rights, and ocean policy.

‘The joint declaration will be an important document for both countries as we work together to identify the key priorities for our relations moving forward. We also cooperate very effectively with Japan in the UN and other multilateral forums,’ Mr Støre said.

Wars and crises

Japan and Norway have shared interests in the area of security policy.

‘Norway and Japan support Ukraine’s fight for independence, and we condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Japan is also an important partner for NATO, and plays a key role as such in Asia,’ Mr Støre said.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the war in Gaza, and the situation in East Asia. Japan holds the G7 Presidency this year, and is serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024.

‘Japan is an important partner in the efforts to address the various crises and challenges the world is facing. We agreed to continue our close cooperation in the UN and other forums,’ Mr Støre said.

The green transition

Norway has substantial business interests in Japan. Japan is an important market for Norwegian seafood, and Norway exports more than 100 000 tonnes of seafood to Japan annually.

‘We also discussed the importance of the Japanese market for Norwegian companies. And I am very pleased that we have agreed to hold consultations on trade in seafood,’ Mr Støre said.

Norway and Japan have set ambitious climate targets, and are in the midst of the green transition, which both countries must undergo.

Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre also participated in the meeting with Prime Minister Kishida, where the green transition was discussed. In their joint declaration, the two Prime Ministers expressed their interest in establishing closer cooperation on the green transition.

‘Japan is a major global power and the world’s third largest economy. As Japan makes the transition towards a greener economy, this will open up significant opportunities for Norwegian companies,’ Prime Minister Støre said.