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Norwayportal |
The foreign relations of Norway are based on the country's membership in NATO and within the workings of the United Nations (UN). Additionally, despite not being a member of the European Union (EU), Norway takes a part in the integration of EU through its membership in the European Economic Area. Norway's foreign ministry includes both the minister of foreign affairs and minister of international development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established on the same day that Norway declared the dissolution of the union with Sweden: June 7, 1905. Although diplomats could not present credentials to foreign governments until the Swedish king formally renounced his right to the Norwegian throne, a number of unofficial representatives worked on the provisional government's behalf until the first Norwegian ambassador, Hjalmar Christian Hauge, sought accreditation by the United States Secretary of State Elihu Root on November 6, 1905.
The initial purposes of the newly formed Foreign Ministry were to represent Norway's interests through diplomatic channels, and to provide consular services for Norwegian shipping and commerce overseas. In 1906, the Storting decided to establish six embassies in Europe, with two more in the Americas: one in the United States and one in Argentina. 20 consular offices were also opened.
During World War I, the foreign ministry was confronted with unprecedented challenges in maintaining neutrality for Norway, in particular in order to protect its merchant fleet.
In 1922, the ministry was consolidated and reorganised to ensure fuller cooperation between the diplomatic and consular branches. The reorganization included the formation of a designated career path for diplomats that included completion of a university entrance examination and professional experience from international trade. The economic hardship of the times forced austerity measures at the ministry for the next several years.
When Norway was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1940, the government fled to the United Kingdom and reconstituted in exile in Bracknell, outside London. Kingston House in London was later used. The government moved back to Norway following the peace in 1945.
After the end of World War II, Norway was a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, the latter having Norwegian Trygve Lie as inaugural Secretary-General. Norway was also part of the first slate of non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council. [1]
Since the end of the Cold War, Norway has developed a model to foreign policy known as the "Norwegian model," the goal of which is to contribute to peace and stability through coordinated response among governmental and non-governmental Norwegian organizations; acting as an honest broker in international conflicts; an informal network of Norwegian individuals with access and credibility among parties; and the willingness to take the long view in international issues.
The post-war foreign policy of Norway can be described along four dimensions:
Norway's strategic importance for waging war in the North Atlantic became important in the failed neutrality policy of World War II. Norway became a founding member of NATO in order to ally itself with countries that shared its democratic values. Both through diplomatic and military cooperation, Norway has played a visible role in the formation and operations of NATO. It allowed a limited number of military bases and exercises to be based in its territories, which caused some controversy when NATO decided to put forward bases in Northern Norway in preparation for a conflict with the Soviet Union.[ citation needed ]
Norway supports international cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes, recognizing the need for maintaining a strong national defence through collective security. Accordingly, the cornerstones of Norwegian policy are active membership in NATO and support for the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Norway also pursues a policy of economic, social, and cultural cooperation with other Nordic countries—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—through the Nordic Council. Its relations with Iceland are very close due to the cultural bond the two nations share. Norway ended a 2-year term on the UN Security Council in January 2003, and chaired the Iraq Sanctions Committee.
Norway, along with Iceland and the Faroe Islands, is not a member of the European Union, all three are members of the European Economic Area [ clarify ]. [2] Membership of the EU has been proposed within Norway, and referendums over Norwegian membership were held in 1972 and 1994. [3] Popular opinion was split between rural and urban areas. See Norway and the European Union. The present government is not planning to raise the possibility for future membership.
Norway also has a history of co-operation and friendship with the United Kingdom and Scotland, due to their shared cultural heritage since Viking times. The Vikings conquered areas including the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland for several hundred years. Norway is only 300 kilometres (159 Nautical miles) east of Unst, the northernmost island of Shetland. The Norwegian embassy to the United Kingdom is located in London, and Norway also maintains a Consulate General in Edinburgh. A Norway Spruce is given by the city of Oslo and presented to London as a Christmas tree for display in Trafalgar Square as a token of gratitude for the UK's support during World War II. King Haakon, his son Crown Prince Olav and the country's government lived in exile in London throughout the war. As part of the tradition, the Lord Mayor of Westminster visits Oslo in the late autumn to take part in the felling of the tree, and the Mayor of Oslo then goes to London to light the tree at the Christmas ceremony.
On 25 April 2022, Norwegian foreign minister visited Bangladesh as part of her two-day trip in order to broaden economic partnership through trade, investment and maritime sector cooperation. [4]
Norway has played an active role as a third party mediator in a number of international conflicts. The late foreign minister Johan Jørgen Holst was instrumental in forging the Oslo Accords between Israel and the PLO. Thorvald Stoltenberg was part of the unsuccessful mediation team in seeking an end to the war in Bosnia. Norway has contributed both mediation services and financial assistance in Guatemala.
As of 2005, Norwegian diplomats are acting as mediators in Sudan, Bosnia, Sri Lanka, and Colombia. Some of those countries accuse Norway of supporting and propping up separatist groups. Israel is often bitter with harsh criticisms from Norwegian politicians. The spat was at its highest when finance minister Kristin Halvorsen supported boycott of Israeli goods. [5] in early 2006. Finance ministry spokesman, Runar Malkenes, told BBC News that "there are no moves to push for a boycott of Israeli goods" at government level. [6] Eritrea has been actively supported by Norway during its liberation from Ethiopia. [7] As of recent, Ethiopia expelled six Norwegian diplomats due to Norway's alleged support to 'Terrorist group and Eritrea'. [8] Norway retaliated by cutting aid to Ethiopia.
After the Al-Qaeda attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, NATO launched a military invasion to overthrow Al-Qaeda and its Taliban sponsors. Norway was one of 51 donors providing aid and assistance to rebuild the war-torn country. Norway had charge of Faryab Province. The Norwegian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team had the mission of effecting security, good governance and economic development, 2005–2012. But the results were dubious and frustration continued until the U.S. and all other countries finally decided to withdraw by 2021. [9]
Territorial claims in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and Peter I Island) are only recognized by Australia, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
A number of scholars have argued that Norway has through its foreign policy engaged in status-seeking. [10] [11] Through an activist foreign policy, Norway has sought to elevate its standing among the international system's small powers and middle powers, and earn recognition from the great powers. [10] [11]
List of countries which Norway maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date [12] |
---|---|---|
1 | United States | 30 October 1905 |
2 | Russia | 31 October 1905 |
3 | France | 5 November 1905 |
4 | United Kingdom | 6 November 1905 |
5 | Denmark | 7 November 1905 |
6 | Japan | 7 November 1905 |
7 | Germany | 9 November 1905 |
8 | Belgium | 14 November 1905 |
9 | Sweden | 18 November 1905 |
10 | Spain | 26 November 1905 |
11 | Thailand | 30 November 1905 |
12 | Netherlands | 4 December 1905 |
13 | Turkey | 31 December 1905 |
14 | Switzerland | 22 January 1906 |
15 | Portugal | 17 March 1906 |
16 | Italy | 22 March 1906 |
17 | Austria | 27 March 1906 |
18 | Argentina | 28 March 1906 |
19 | Paraguay | 2 April 1906 |
20 | Uruguay | 3 April 1906 |
21 | Mexico | 9 April 1906 |
22 | Cuba | 20 June 1906 |
23 | China | 13 July 1906 |
24 | Bulgaria | 20 August 1906 |
25 | Brazil | 11 May 1908 |
26 | Iran | 14 October 1908 |
27 | Serbia | 9 March 1917 |
28 | Romania | 14 May 1917 |
29 | Finland | 2 March 1918 |
30 | Greece | 25 May 1918 |
31 | Chile | 9 June 1919 |
32 | Poland | 4 July 1919 |
33 | Hungary | 12 February 1920 |
34 | Czech Republic | 12 January 1921 |
35 | Peru | 3 August 1923 |
36 | Venezuela | 4 October 1929 |
37 | Luxembourg | 15 April 1931 |
38 | Colombia | 6 September 1935 |
39 | Egypt | 25 April 1936 |
40 | Ecuador | 22 October 1936 |
41 | Bolivia | 25 February 1937 |
42 | El Salvador | 27 April 1939 |
43 | Guatemala | 28 April 1939 |
44 | Costa Rica | 2 May 1939 |
45 | Iceland | 29 August 1940 |
46 | Canada | 24 January 1942 |
47 | Dominican Republic | 16 October 1943 |
48 | Haiti | 28 October 1943 |
49 | Ethiopia | 28 April 1945 |
50 | South Africa | 16 June 1946 |
51 | Iraq | 28 September 1946 |
52 | Australia | 23 June 1947 |
53 | Honduras | 3 July 1947 |
54 | Nicaragua | 5 July 1947 |
55 | India | 15 August 1947 |
56 | Philippines | 2 March 1948 |
57 | Panama | 21 July 1948 |
58 | Lebanon | 10 August 1948 |
59 | Syria | 11 August 1948 |
60 | Pakistan | 18 December 1948 |
61 | Indonesia | 25 January 1950 |
62 | Ireland | 17 February 1950 |
63 | Israel | 19 July 1950 |
64 | Sri Lanka | 13 October 1950 |
65 | Myanmar | 18 May 1956 |
66 | Sudan | 31 May 1956 |
67 | Tunisia | 29 August 1958 |
68 | Morocco | 30 August 1958 |
69 | South Korea | 22 March 1959 |
70 | Nigeria | 1 October 1960 |
71 | Madagascar | 27 October 1960 |
72 | Senegal | 2 December 1960 |
73 | Yemen | 23 March 1961 |
74 | Saudi Arabia | 8 May 1961 |
75 | Guinea | 21 July 1961 |
76 | Ivory Coast | 27 September 1962 |
77 | Algeria | 27 October 1962 |
78 | Cyprus | 22 March 1963 |
79 | Afghanistan | 3 January 1964 |
80 | Niger | 24 January 1964 |
81 | Kenya | 22 February 1964 |
82 | Uganda | 21 July 1964 |
83 | Benin | 25 September 1964 |
84 | Tanzania | 28 September 1964 |
85 | Zambia | 2 February 1965 |
86 | Liberia | 17 February 1965 |
87 | Malawi | 9 March 1965 |
88 | Ghana | 19 May 1965 |
89 | Cameroon | 15 June 1965 |
90 | Gabon | 28 September 1965 |
91 | Kuwait | 30 June 1965 |
92 | Libya | 20 July 1966 |
93 | Burundi | 1966 |
94 | Republic of the Congo | 23 May 1967 |
95 | Botswana | 30 November 1967 |
96 | Malaysia | 8 March 1968 |
97 | Mongolia | 11 May 1968 |
98 | Jordan | 7 January 1969 |
99 | Malta | 11 February 1969 |
100 | Singapore | 7 March 1969 |
101 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 27 September 1969 |
102 | New Zealand | 10 October 1969 |
103 | Central African Republic | 16 May 1970 |
104 | Sierra Leone | 20 July 1970 |
105 | Rwanda | 30 January 1971 |
106 | Somalia | 30 March 1971 |
107 | Albania | 29 May 1971 |
108 | Trinidad and Tobago | 19 November 1971 |
109 | Vietnam | 25 November 1971 |
110 | Togo | 10 January 1972 |
111 | Bangladesh | 14 April 1972 |
112 | Nepal | 26 January 1973 |
113 | Mauritius | 30 January 1973 |
114 | Qatar | 9 June 1973 |
115 | North Korea | 22 June 1973 |
116 | United Arab Emirates | 4 July 1973 |
117 | Bahrain | 15 July 1973 |
118 | Barbados | 24 January 1975 |
119 | Guinea-Bissau | 7 April 1975 |
120 | Mozambique | 25 June 1975 |
121 | Lesotho | 8 May 1976 |
122 | Papua New Guinea | 19 August 1976 |
123 | Cambodia | 18 November 1976 |
124 | Fiji | 18 January 1977 [13] |
125 | Suriname | 8 February 1977 |
126 | Cape Verde | 9 May 1977 |
127 | Mali | 17 June 1977 |
128 | Jamaica | 7 October 1977 |
129 | Angola | 31 October 1977 |
130 | Guyana | 2 August 1979 |
131 | Burkina Faso | 21 September 1979 |
132 | Oman | 15 April 1980 |
133 | Zimbabwe | 18 April 1980 |
134 | Solomon Islands | 18 September 1980 |
— | Holy See | 2 August 1982 |
135 | Gambia | 8 February 1983 |
136 | Mauritania | 6 December 1983 |
137 | Maldives | 26 March 1984 |
138 | Belize | 12 July 1984 [14] |
139 | Brunei | 12 October 1984 |
140 | Eswatini | 11 December 1984 |
141 | Seychelles | 1 February 1985 [15] |
142 | Antigua and Barbuda | 14 October 1985 [16] |
143 | Bhutan | 5 November 1985 [17] |
144 | Tonga | 30 August 1988 |
145 | Saint Lucia | 1990 [18] |
146 | Namibia | 21 March 1990 |
— | Cook Islands | 18 July 1991 |
147 | Estonia | 27 August 1991 |
148 | Latvia | 27 August 1991 |
149 | Lithuania | 27 August 1991 |
150 | Bahamas | 11 November 1991 |
151 | Laos | 12 November 1991 |
152 | Belarus | 4 February 1992 |
153 | Ukraine | 5 February 1992 |
154 | Slovenia | 18 February 1992 |
155 | Croatia | 20 February 1992 |
156 | Moldova | 3 June 1992 |
157 | Armenia | 5 June 1992 |
158 | Azerbaijan | 5 June 1992 |
159 | Georgia | 5 June 1992 |
160 | Kazakhstan | 5 June 1992 |
161 | Turkmenistan | 8 June 1992 |
162 | Tajikistan | 10 June 1992 |
163 | Uzbekistan | 10 June 1992 |
164 | Kyrgyzstan | 26 June 1992 |
165 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 15 October 1992 |
166 | Marshall Islands | 16 October 1992 [19] |
167 | Slovakia | 1 January 1993 |
168 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 19 February 1993 [20] |
169 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 12 December 1993 [21] |
170 | North Macedonia | 20 December 1993 |
171 | Liechtenstein | 1993 [22] |
172 | Eritrea | 14 March 1994 [23] |
173 | Andorra | 15 November 1995 [24] |
174 | Chad | 13 November 1995 |
175 | San Marino | 11 December 1996 [25] |
176 | Samoa | 1999 [26] |
177 | Grenada | 26 April 2000 [19] |
178 | Nauru | 9 August 2000 [27] |
179 | Dominica | 26 March 2001 [28] |
180 | East Timor | 20 May 2002 [29] |
181 | Djibouti | 5 February 2003 [30] |
182 | Montenegro | 21 June 2006 [31] |
183 | Equatorial Guinea | 30 March 2007 [32] |
— | Kosovo | 25 October 2008 [33] |
184 | Tuvalu | 8 May 2010 [34] |
185 | Monaco | 16 November 2010 [35] |
186 | South Sudan | 9 July 2011 [36] |
187 | Palau | 31 May 2017 [37] |
188 | Federated States of Micronesia | 12 April 2018 [38] |
189 | Vanuatu | 28 May 2018 [39] |
190 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 25 January 2019 [40] |
191 | Comoros | 28 June 2019 [41] |
192 | Kiribati | 17 August 2019 [42] |
— | State of Palestine | 28 May 2024 [43] |
Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
European Union | See Norway–European Union relations | |
NATO | See Norway–NATO relations |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Kenya | See Kenya–Norway relations
| |
Sudan | See Norway–Sudan relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Belize | Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010. [44] | |
Brazil | See Brazil–Norway relations
| |
Canada | See Canada–Norway relations
Canada has an embassy in Oslo. [46]
| |
Chile | See Chile–Norway relations
| |
Mexico | 1906 | See Mexico–Norway relations
|
United States | 1905 | See Norway–United States relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan | See Afghanistan–Norway relations | |
China | October 5, 1954 | See China–Norway relations |
India | 1947 | See India–Norway relations |
Indonesia | See Indonesia–Norway relations
| |
Israel | See Israel–Norway relations Norway was one of the first countries to recognize Israel on February 4, 1949. Both countries established diplomatic relation later that year.
| |
Malaysia | 1957 | See Malaysia–Norway relations
|
Mongolia | January 11, 1968 | See Mongolia–Norway relations
|
Nepal | January 26, 1973 | See Nepal–Norway relations Diplomatic relations were established on January 26, 1973. Norway established an embassy in Kathmandu in 2000. [56] In 2008, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim visited Nepal. [57] In 2009, Prime Minister Prachanda visited Norway. [58] In May 2008, a small bomb exploded outside the Norwegian embassy in Kathmandu. No one was injured. [59] [60]
|
Pakistan | 1947 | See Norway-Pakistan relations |
Palestine | A Palestinian representation in Oslo has had status of "general delegation". In December 2010 during a visit to Norway Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced that this mission would be upgraded to a diplomatic mission. This will take effect early in 2011. With the rank of ambassador its head will have the title "head of the Palestinian mission". Norway thus becomes the fourth European country to take similar steps, following Spain, France and Portugal. The upgrade does not constitute recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, however. [61] | |
Philippines | March 2, 1948 | See Norway–Philippines relations Relations between the Philippines and Norway were established on March 2, 1948, the Philippines has an embassy in Oslo while Norway has an embassy in Manila. Norway is also involved in the peace process in the Philippines related to Moro and Communist insurgencies and is also a member country of the International Monitoring Team for the GPH-MILF Peace Process. Norway is also the third country facilitator for the GPH-CPP–NPA–NDF Peace Process. Trade between the Philippines and Norway amounted up to $73 million. [62] [63] [64]
|
Saudi Arabia | See Norway–Saudi Arabia relations | |
South Korea | March 2, 1959 [65] | See Norway-South Korea relations The establishment of diplomatic relations between Kongeriket Noreg and the Republic of Korea began on March 2, 1959.
|
Syria | In March 2012 the Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced that the Norwegian embassy in Damascus will be temporarily closed, mainly due to the deteriorating security situation in the country, however Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also emphasized the closing being a political signal. One Norwegian diplomat will remain, stationed at the Danish embassy. [69] | |
Turkey | See Norway–Turkey relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Croatia | 1992 | See Croatia–Norway relations
|
Cyprus | See Cyprus–Norway relations Diplomatic relations were established on March 22, 1963. [70] The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields". [71] Neither country has resident ambassadors. Cyprus is represented in Norway through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden and 2 honorary consulates, one in Oslo and the second in Kristiansand. Norway is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece and an honorary consulate in Nicosia. [72] Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. [71] On August 21, 1951, there was a Consular Convention and an Exchange of Letters relating to establishing diplomatic relations. On May 2, 1951, there was a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. On May 17, 1962, there was an Exchange of Letters constituting an Agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirement in Nicosia. On March 5, 1963, there was an Agreement on Commercial Scheduled Air Transport signed in London. [73] Norway provides direct funding to the Cypriot Government and also to local authorities, NGOs and educational institutions through EEA and Norway Grants. [74] The NGO Fund in Cyprus is co-financed by the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. It was established in 2004. [75] In 2006, Norway increased its commitment to offer a total contribution of 4.66 million euros. [75] In 2007 a delegation from the EEA and Norway Grants went to Cyprus to "monitor the spending of Norwegian funds given to Cyprus as part of the European Economic Area." [76] In 2008 Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre traveled to Cyprus to meet President Demetris Christofias. They met to discuss Norway's assistance to the Cypriot village of Salamiou, in Paphos. The Norwegians plan to rebuild an old elementary school in the village. It will then become a Regional Centre for Environmental Education at the cost of €735,000. [77] The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus. [78] Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway. [79] [80] [81] In 1996 tax rules in Norway were changed to keep shipping companies competitive and under the Norwegian flag. By 2008 changes to the tonnage tax regime to harmonize them with the European Union forced some companies to register in Cyprus. [82] Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus. [83] Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime. [84] The Norwegian colony on Cyprus is in Paphos. [84]
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Denmark | See Denmark–Norway relations Both countries have a very long history together, both countries were part of the Kalmar Union between 1397 and 1523. Norway was in Union with Denmark between 1537 and 1814. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1905, after Norway's independence. Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, of NATO, and of the Council of Europe. There are around 15,000 Norwegian people living in Denmark and around 20,000 Danish people living in Norway. [87]
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Estonia |
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European Union | See Norway–European Union relations Norway is part of the EU market via the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area. | |
Finland | See Finland–Norway relations
| |
France | 1905 | See France–Norway relations
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Germany | See Germany–Norway relations
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Greece | See Greece–Norway relations
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Hungary | 1920 | |
Iceland | See Iceland–Norway relations In 2007, the two countries signed a defense agreement, covering surveillance and military defense of Icelandic air space and economic zone. It means that Norwegian jet fighters and surveillance aircraft will be patrolling Icelandic air space. It is underlined that the agreement with Norway only covers peacetime. In case of a military conflict it is still NATO and the United States Government that will carry the main responsibility for Iceland's defense. [97] The agreement was signed following the decision to pullout US military from the Keflavík naval air base. [98]
| |
Ireland |
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Kosovo | See Kosovo–Norway relations Norway recognized Kosovo on March 28, 2008. [103] Norway has an embassy in Pristina, while Kosovo has hinted that it will include Norway in the second wave of embassy openings. | |
Monaco | ||
Poland | See Norway–Poland relations
| |
Romania | April 3, 1917 | See Norway–Romania relations
|
Russia | October 30, 1905 | See Norway–Russia relations
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Serbia | See Norway–Serbia relations
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Spain | See Norway–Spain relations
| |
Sweden | 1905 | See Norway-Sweden relations Both nations established diplomatic relations in 1905, after the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905.
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Switzerland | See Norway-Switzerland relations | |
Ukraine | 1992 | See Norway–Ukraine relations
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United Kingdom | 1905 | See Norway–United Kingdom relations
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Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Australia | 1905 | See Australia–Norway relations The bilateral countries between Australia and Norway were established diplomatic relations in 1905, following the Norway's independence since 1814.
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New Zealand | 1905 | See New Zealand–Norway relations Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1905, after Norway's independence. There are approximately 1,400 Norwegians living in New Zealand and 409 New Zealanders living in Norway. [120] Reidar Sveaas, director of P&O Maritime Ltd. and honorary consul to Auckland said in 2000 that excellent opportunities existed for New Zealand to trade with the world's second largest oil-producing country, Norway. [121] New Zealand joined 11 other countries in 2006 in delivering a formal diplomatic protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in Oslo over Norway's plans to increase its whaling activities. [122] In 2004, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark became as the first Prime Minister to ever visits Norway. She said that both countries see eye-to-eye on almost everything but the commercial harvesting of whales. [123]
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Cyprus is a member of the United Nations along with most of its agencies as well as the Commonwealth of Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Council of Europe. In addition, the country has signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Agreement (MIGA). Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and in the second half of 2012 it held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The foreign policy of Denmark is based on its identity as a sovereign state in Europe, the Arctic and the North Atlantic. As such its primary foreign policy focus is on its relations with other nations as a sovereign state compromising the three constituent countries: Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Denmark has long had good relations with other nations. It has been involved in coordinating Western assistance to the Baltic states.
The Republic of Estonia gained its independence from the Russian Empire on 24 February 1918 and established diplomatic relations with many countries via membership of the League of Nations. The forcible incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union in 1940 was not generally recognised by the international community and the Estonian diplomatic service continued to operate in some countries. Following the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union, Russia was one of the first nations to re-recognize Estonia's independence. Estonia's immediate priority after regaining its independence was the withdrawal of Russian forces from Estonian territory. In August 1994, this was completed. However, relations with Moscow have remained strained primarily because Russia decided not to ratify the border treaty it had signed with Estonia in 1999.
As one of the oldest Euro-Atlantic member states in the region of Southeast Europe, Greece enjoys a prominent geopolitical role as a middle power, due to its political and geographical proximity to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its main allies are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Cyprus and the rest of the European Union and NATO.
Hungary wields considerable influence in Central and Eastern Europe and is a middle power in international affairs. The foreign policy of Hungary includes commitments to international development, international law, European integration, Atlantic co-operation and increased co-operation within the Global East. The Hungarian economy is fairly open and relies strongly on international trade.
The foreign relations of Ireland are substantially influenced by its membership of the European Union, although bilateral relations with the United States and United Kingdom are also important to the state. It is one of the group of smaller nations in the EU and has traditionally followed a non-aligned foreign policy. Ireland has historically tended towards independence in foreign military policy, thus it is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and has a longstanding policy of military neutrality.
The foreign relations of Japan are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is the government agency which is responsible for conducting the foreign relations of Nepal, historically, it is the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO) which has exercised the authority to formulate the country's foreign policies. As a landlocked country wedged between two larger and far stronger powers, Nepal has tried to maintain good relations with both of its neighbors, People's Republic of China and Republic of India. However, the relationship between Nepal and India was significantly hampered by the 2015 Nepal blockade when the Government of Nepal accused India of mimicking "Russia-Ukraine" tactics by using ethnically Indian residents of Nepal to cause unrest along Nepal's southern border. India denied the allegation and said the unrest were an internal affair. For the most part though, Nepal has traditionally maintained a non-aligned policy and enjoys friendly relations with its neighboring countries and almost all the major countries of the world.
The foreign relations of South Africa have spanned from the country's time as a Dominion of the British Empire to its isolationist policies under apartheid to its position as a responsible international actor taking a key role in Africa, particularly Southern Africa. South Africa is a member of the United Nations, the African Union and the Commonwealth of Nations. Considered a possible permanent addition to the United Nations Security Council, South Africa was elected in 2006, 2010 and 2018 by the UN General Assembly to serve on the Security Council. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chair of the African Union from 2020 to 2021, the second time South Africa has chaired the organisation since its formation in 2003.
Ukraine has formal relations with many nations and in recent decades has been establishing diplomatic relations with an expanding circle of nations. The foreign relations of Ukraine are guided by a number of key priorities outlined in the foreign policy of Ukraine.
Iceland took control of its foreign affairs in 1918 when it became a sovereign country, the Kingdom of Iceland, in a personal union with the King of Denmark. As a fully independent state, Iceland could have joined the League of Nations in 1920, but chose not to do so for cost reasons. It negotiated with Denmark to initially carry out most of its foreign relations, while maintaining full control. Denmark appointed a diplomatic envoy (Ambassador) to Iceland in 1919 and Iceland reciprocated in 1920, opening an Embassy in Copenhagen. Iceland established its own Foreign Service in April 1940 when Denmark became occupied by Nazi Germany and ties between the two countries were severed. The Republic of Iceland was founded in 1944. The Icelandic foreign service grew slowly in the post-WWII period, but increased rapidly after the mid-1990s. Iceland's closest relations are with the Nordic states, the European Union and the United States. Iceland has been a member of the United Nations since 1946. Iceland was a founding member of the World Bank in 1946 and NATO in 1949. In terms of European integration, Iceland was a founding member of the OEEC in 1948 and the Nordic Council in 1952, it joined EFTA in 1970, was a founding member of the CSCE in 1973 and the EEA in 1992 and joined Schengen in 1996.
The foreign relations of Canada are Canada's relations with other governments and nations. Canada is recognized as a middle power for its role in global affairs with a tendency to pursue multilateral and international solutions. Canada is known for its strong commitment to international peace and security, as well as being a mediator in conflicts, and for providing aid to developing countries. The "golden age of Canadian diplomacy" refers to a period in Canadian history, typically considered to be the mid-20th century, when Canada experienced a high level of success in its foreign relations and diplomatic efforts.
Iceland–India relations are the bilateral relations between Iceland and India. Historically, these relations have been friendly but lacked substantive content. Iceland and India established diplomatic relations in 1972. At that time the embassy of Iceland in London, United Kingdom was accredited to India and the embassy of India in Oslo, Norway, was accredited to Iceland. Embassies were established in New Delhi in 2005 and in Reykjavík in 2006.
Israel–Norway relations are the bilateral relations between Israel and Norway. Norway was one of the first countries to recognize Israel, doing so on 4 February 1949.
There are several Norwegian Honorary Consulates in Greece, and one in Nicosia, Cyprus.
A delegation of the Norwegian EEA Financial Mechanism is on the island to monitor the spending of Norwegian funds given to Cyprus as part of the European Economic Area Agreement. A meeting on this issue was held at the Planning Bureau between the Norwegian delegation and a Cypriot...
Det ble i går kjent at skipsreder John Fredriksen tidligere Norges rikeste mann har gitt opp sitt norske pass og blitt kypriot. Fredriksen kom dermed kypriotene i forkjøpet.
Norges rikeste mann, god for minst 33 milliarder kroner, John Fredriksen (61), har gitt opp sitt norske statsborgerskap og allerede fått innvilget kypriotisk – av skattemessige årsaker.
The changes were aimed at making Norwegian shipping rules more like those in the European Union, but industry groups have said the move might force some to register in tax havens such as Bermuda or Cyprus.
Low taxation, low living costs and summery winter temperature limits more and more Norwegians to settle on the Mediterranean island. Now we have established a Norwegian "colony" in Paphos in Cyprus similar seen in Spain.
Norway and Iceland will sign an agreement on Thursday to step up defence cooperation to improve the Atlantic island nation's security following the U.S. withdrawal from the Keflavik naval air base, officials said on Tuesday.