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Norway’s efforts to promote freedom of expression and independent media

Freedom of expression is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy where all members of society have access to information and can participate in social and political life. Freedom of expression is also an enabler of other human rights, such as

International efforts to abolish the death penalty

The right to life and the respect for human dignity and inviolability are underlying principles on which all other human rights and the principles of the rule of law are based. The use of the death penalty is not consistent with these principles and

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Situation in the Middle East

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Espen Barth Eide in the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

By Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide

New ambassadors from Egypt, Qatar, Oman and Zambia

Four ambassadors presented their letters of credence to His Majesty King Harald V on 18 January 2024.

The situation in the Red Sea

‘We are facing a very serious situation in the Red Sea. For the first time, ballistic anti-ship missiles have been used against civilian vessels. These are very advanced weapons systems. The indiscriminate attacks by the Houthi movement are

Gender and sexual diversity

Everyone is entitled to the universal human rights and freedoms, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many countries, there has been a positive development towards inclusion and equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual,

Direct sales of weapons and defense-related products to Ukraine permitted from 1 January 2024

The Norwegian government has decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to the defense authorities in Ukraine. This policy change will enter into force on January 1 2024.

Foreign Minster Eide condemns Russian attacks on Ukraine

‘Norway condemns Russia’s massive drone and missile attack on Ukrainian cities. Attacks on civilians are unacceptable’, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Norway increases support to Combined Maritime Forces in the Red Sea

Norway will provide additional staff officers as part of an international effort to protect civilian shipping in the Red Sea.

Norway condemns North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

‘Norway strongly condemns North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Monday, December 18. Launches using ballistic missile technology are in violation of Security Council resolutions,‘ says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Statement: Concerns over spread of the war in Sudan

Norway is deeply concerned by recent developments in the war in Sudan. The spread of the conflict to the eastern parts of Sudan by Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) advance on Wad Medani has dire consequences for the Sudanese civilian population,

Increased funding for humanitarian response in Afghanistan

‘I am pleased that we can increase our support to UN agencies operating at the border and inside Afghanistan. As winter looms, needs will increase, making sufficient humanitarian assistance even more critical. Norway remains committed to supporting

75 years of partnership between Norway and Pakistan

18 December marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Norway and Pakistan. Cooperation between Norway and Pakistan has shaped social development in both countries based on extensive people-to-people contact.

Statement after international ministerial meeting on the war in Gaza

Statement at press conference 15 December after international ministerial meeting on the war in Gaza.

By Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide

International ministerial meeting in Oslo on the war in Gaza

‘This meeting in Oslo has taken place against an extremely serious and dramatic backdrop. Tomorrow, it will be 10 weeks since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack. Close to 19 000 people have been killed in Gaza, nearly half of them children. The scale

Foreign ministers from Middle East, Nordic region and Benelux countries in Oslo Friday 15 for high-level meeting on Gaza

‘I look forward to bringing these countries together for an open and frank discussion about the war in Gaza. While the countries that will be taking part in the meeting are affected to varying degrees, they all share a deep concern about the people

Condemning attack on Norwegian ship in the Red Sea

'Norway strongly condemns all attacks against civilian shipping, most recently the attack in the Red Sea last night on the Norwegian-registered ship MT Strinda, owned by J. Ludwig Mowinckel's shipping company,' says State Secretary Eivind Vad

Agreement at the climate summit

'This is a historic day, eight years after the Paris Agreement', says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

A just world is an equal world

The action plan for women’s rights and gender equality shows how gender equality is a main priority in Norway’s foreign and development policy.

Norway increases funding of marine protected areas

Norway announces additional NOK 20 million in support to the Blue Action Fund. The Blue Action Fund works to protect vulnerable coastal and marine areas and to improve livelihoods and food security for coastal communities.