Department of International Affairs

The Department of International Affairs assists the Prime Minister and the Government Secretary in the handling of all matters of an international nature.

A major task for ther Department is to keep an eye on international developments, in close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norway's diplomatic missions.

The Department is responsible for keeping the Prime Minister and his staff up to date at all times on international issues of importance to Norway. 

The Departement is represented in working groups and delegations established for important negotiations with other countries.

The Department is responsible for preparing and managing the Prime Minister's foreign visits, and his participation in meetings and conferences abroad. Necessary preparations for foreign visits to the Prime Minister are also handled by the Department. 

The Department handles all international correspondence at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Over the years the distinction between foreign and domestic policy issues has become less clearly defined. Most issues on the Government's agenda are affected by international relations and bu Norway's obligations and commitments through organisations as the EEA, the WTO and the UN. 

The Department of International Affairs has six employees.