Press Releases

The Government decided Friday that Myanmar should no longer be excluded from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). “This is a signal that Norway recognises the political reforms in Myanmar and hopes to see further democratic developments,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Today one hundred years have passed since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his expedition became the first to reach the South Pole. In a speech at the South Pole Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today honoured Amundsen and his men. He also paid tribute to the bravery of British explorer Robert F. Scott and his expedition.

From 12 to 15 December Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg is visiting the South Pole to mark the centenary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team reaching the Pole in 1911, and to underline the importance of the Antarctic continent in relation to global climate change.

More than 150 countries and a wide range of organisations have reached agreement on a common framework for development cooperation at the high-level forum in South Korea. For the first time, China, India and Brazil are also on board.

“In the white paper on the High North, the Government sets out ambitious goals for Norway’s efforts in the High North over the next 20–30 years. The main focus of the white paper is on foreign policy, but emphasis is also placed on how the High North policy is to promote employment and value creation across the country as a whole,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg commented, “This is an important recognition of the role they have played in ensuring women’s safety and right to participate in peace-building work. Women’s participation is crucial in promoting peace and preventing conflict.”

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, commented: “Norway has today been victim of a double attack. First a bomb attack on the government offices in the centre of Oslo and secondly on the summer camp of the Labour youth movement. These are horrific and tragic attacks that we condemn in the strongest possible terms”.

Today, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg gave Norway’s main address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He highlighted two areas that are crucial for the further negotiations: climate change financing and the establishment of a Green Fund, and the conservation of forests. “Norway will do what it can to ensure a positive result here in Cancún,” said Mr Stoltenberg.