Press releases

We welcome the serious and detailed discussions held on transitional financial arrangements and commercial oil fees between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and Government of South Sudan (GOSS) that were facilitated by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) in Addis Ababa on 25-30 November. Read more

Norway condemns the bombing of the Yida refugee camp in South Sudan by the Sudanese military, and urges the parties to come to the negotiating table to find a solution to the conflict in Southern Kordofan State and Blue Nile State. Read more

The horrific and brutal attacks in Norway on the 22nd of July are a national tragedy. It is also an attack on our humanity and our fundamental values; openness, inclusiveness, engagement and democracy. The Embassy is overwhelmed and very grateful for the condolences, support and sympathy that we have received from institutions and individuals in Ethiopia. Read more

“If one man can show so much hatred, imagine how much love we can show together.” So said a young woman who lost friends on the island of Utøya during the attacks of Friday 22 July. The quote has been widely embraced by survivors, families and political leaders in Norway. Read more

Address held on the 24th of July 2011. Read more

Statement by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre: At 15.20 Friday afternoon a bomb exploded outside the Government’s office in the centre of Oslo. Some people were killed and several wounded in the blast. A few hours later an attack took place at Utoeya where the Labour youth movement had its annual summer camp. A man has shot at and killed and injured several participants. The attacker has now... Read more

"The drought in the Horn of Africa is critical and gives cause for serious concern. The extent of the crisis will be worse than first assumed. We have therefore decided to increase Norway’s contribution by NOK 30 million, bringing the total up to NOK 263 million. We will do our part, but the whole international community must respond rapidly in order to prevent this crisis becoming even worse,”... Read more

Norway is increasing its funding to help victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa by NOK 33 million. 11 million NOK is directed to Ethiopia. Read more

Representatives of the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement have concluded a security agreement for the important region of Abyei. ”I am pleased that a security agreement has been reached on Abyei. It is now essential that the agreement is implemented. I hope that the UN Security Council will endorse the agreement as soon as possible,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr... Read more

“The recent incidents of violence in Sudan, in the disputed area of Abyei, are clear and worrying violations of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

"There can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya. Efforts to find a political solution must start now,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

The people of South Sudan have overwhelmingly voted for independence, with 98.83% in favour of a split. “Norway intends to formally recognise South Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011,” said Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

We, the countries and organizations that witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, welcome the conclusion of the Southern Sudan referendum and the announcement of the final result by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission on February 7, 2011. Read more

On 20 January, the Government launched a new plan for efforts in the area of women, peace and security. The purpose of the plan is to promote women’s participation and enhance the protection of women in conflict-affected countries. Read more

“It has been a pleasure to witness the peaceful conduct of the referendum on the future status of Southern Sudan. This was a complicated process, which has been prepared and carried out in a very short space of time,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

The following is a joint statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague on the start of polling for the Southern Sudan referendum. Read more

See the following press statement by the AUHIP on post referendum arrangements, a process started by the Mekelle Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by Norway in cooperation with AUHIP and Ethiopia. Read more

Troika statement 01/12/2010 Read more

Norway gives NOK 1 billion to UNICEF’s work on education and girls’ rights. Read more

On the 12th of November, the UN General Assembly called on member states to establish a moratorium on executions as a step towards the abolition of the death penalty. Norway, in cooperation with a group of countries from all parts of the world, led the initiative, which was supported by 107 countries. Read more