UK Prime Minister to pay official visit to Norway

The two Prime Ministers will visit the Bergen area to discuss climate, energy and defence cooperation.

‘In times of uncertainty, it is especially important to be able to discuss common interests and priorities with key partners. The UK is one of our most important allies in NATO. We are allies in the defence alliance, allies in the north, and allies in our support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom and sovereignty. Among other things, Norway and the UK are leading the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Cooperation between Norway and the UK on the green transition, defence and security, trade, and the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East will be the main topics of discussion during the visit.

‘We work closely with the UK in a wide range of areas and our ties go back a long way. The UK is one of Norway’s most important trading partners. We have cooperated in the field of carbon capture and storage for more than 20 years, and further strengthening our cooperation with the UK will help us to cut emissions and create jobs here in Norway,’ said Mr Støre.

Facts about Norway’s cooperation with the UK

• The UK is one of Norway’s key trading partners. In 2023, the UK was Norway’s most important country for exports. Norwegian companies exported goods, such as fish, electricity and metals, to the UK totalling more than NOK 350 billion. Imports from the UK amounted to over NOK 45 billion.
• There are more than 250 Norwegian companies operating in the UK, primarily in the energy sector. Norwegian companies are present in virtually all sectors.
• Norway is working with the UK to advance the green transition. This includes cooperation in areas such as energy, research, carbon capture and storage, electricity exchange, offshore wind power and blue hydrogen.

Members of the media who wish to cover the visit must register for accreditation by email at rhs@smk.dep.no by 12:00 on Sunday 15 December.

The press contacts for Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre are Head of Communications Anne Kristin Hjukse, tel: +47 99 21 46 10, email: anne-kristin.hjukse@smk.dep.no, and Communications Adviser Ragnhild H. Simenstad, tel: + 47 91 71 74 59, email: rhs@smk.dep.no.