Prime Minister Støre met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa

‘Prime Minister Mustafa’s visit is both important and historic. This is the first official visit since Norway recognised Palestine as a state. The visit is taking place at a very difficult time for the Palestinian people, with the war, the widespread destruction in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank as a bleak backdrop. It would be a huge step forward if we could now finally achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of the hostages still in captivity since the terrorist attack by Hamas, and significantly increase deliveries of humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

The visit focused on the situation in Palestine and Norway’s work to support Palestinian state-building and the realisation of the two-state solution.

‘For over 30 years, Norway has played an active role in promoting a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side within mutually recognised borders. This is the key to achieving peace throughout the Middle East. I am deeply concerned about the developments we have seen in the region over the past 15 months,’ said Mr Støre.

Norway’s support for the two-state solution

The visit by Prime Minister Mustafa took place on the same day as the meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution hosted by Norway. This was the third follow-up meeting of the Alliance, which was established by Norway, the EU and Saudi Arabia during the UN General Assembly in September 2024.

The Palestinian economy and Palestinian institutions are under great pressure as a result of the occupation, the war in Gaza and an increasingly grave security situation in the West Bank. The two Prime Ministers discussed the need to strengthen the economy and institutions in Palestine.

‘Norway has been, and will continue to be, a key supporter of Palestine. Last year, we provided a total of NOK 1.8 billion in support to Palestine and Palestinian refugees in the region. Norway has supported Palestinian institutions since the beginning of the Oslo Process, and we have given particular priority to efforts in the areas of health, education and energy,’ said Mr Støre.