Foreign relations of Norway
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Politics of Norway
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.
History
[edit]Template:Further 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.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
Elements of policy
[edit]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:
Strategic alliances
[edit]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.Template:Citation needed
International cooperation
[edit]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, Template:Clarify span.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Membership of the EU has been proposed within Norway, and referendums over Norwegian membership were held in 1972 and 1994.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
International mediation and nation building
[edit]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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Eritrea has been actively supported by Norway during its liberation from Ethiopia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of recent, Ethiopia expelled six Norwegian diplomats due to Norway's alleged support to 'Terrorist group and Eritrea'.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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. <ref>Mats Berdal, and Astri Suhrke, "A Good Ally: Norway and International Statebuilding in Afghanistan, 2001-2014." Journal of Strategic Studies 41.1-2 (2018): 61-88. online</ref>
International disputes
[edit]Territorial claims in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and Peter I Island) are only recognized by Australia, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Status-seeking
[edit]A number of scholars have argued that Norway has through its foreign policy engaged in status-seeking.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Diplomatic relations
[edit]List of countries which Norway maintains diplomatic relations with:
Multilateral
[edit]| Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | See Norway–European Union relations | |
| Template:Flag | See Norway–NATO relations |
Africa
[edit]| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | See Kenya–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Sudan relations
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Americas
[edit]Asia
[edit]| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | See Afghanistan–Norway relations | |
| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | October 5, 1954 | See China–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | 1947 | See India–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | See Indonesia–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | 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.
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| Template:Flag | 1957 | See Malaysia–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | January 11, 1968 | See Mongolia–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | January 26, 1973 | See Nepal–Norway relations
Diplomatic relations were established on January 26, 1973. Norway established an embassy in Kathmandu in 2000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2008, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim visited Nepal.<ref>Nepal’s Prime Minister visits Norway April 10, 2009</ref> In 2009, Prime Minister Prachanda visited Norway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In May 2008, a small bomb exploded outside the Norwegian embassy in Kathmandu. No one was injured.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 1947 | See Norway-Pakistan relations |
| Template:Flag |
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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Saudi Arabia relations | |
| Template:Flag | March 2, 1959<ref name="mofa.go.kr">Template:Cite web</ref> | See Norway-South Korea relations
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Kongeriket Noreg and the Republic of Korea began on March 2, 1959.
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Syria relations
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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | See Norway–Turkey relations
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Europe
[edit]| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | 1992 | See Croatia–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | See Cyprus–Norway relations
Diplomatic relations were established on March 22, 1963.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields".<ref name="Cyprus Embassy"/> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.<ref name="Cyprus Embassy">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Norway provides direct funding to the Cypriot Government and also to local authorities, NGOs and educational institutions through EEA and Norway Grants.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name=ngo/> In 2006, Norway increased its commitment to offer a total contribution of 4.66 million euros.<ref name=ngo>Template:Cite web</ref> 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."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime.<ref name=colony/> The Norwegian colony on Cyprus is in Paphos.<ref name=colony>Template:Cite news</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–European Union relations
Norway is part of the EU market via the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area. | |
| Template:Flag | See Finland–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | 1905 | See France–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | See Germany–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | See Greece–Norway relations
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| Template:Flag | 1920 |
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The agreement was signed following the decision to pullout US military from the Keflavík naval air base.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | See Kosovo–Norway relations
Norway recognized Kosovo on March 28, 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Norway has an embassy in Pristina, while Kosovo has hinted that it will include Norway in the second wave of embassy openings. | |
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| Template:Flag |
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Poland relations
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| Template:Flag | April 3, 1917 | See Norway–Romania relations
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| Template:Flag | October 30, 1905 | See Norway–Russia relations
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Serbia relations
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| Template:Flag | See Norway–Spain relations
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| Template:Flag | 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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| Template:Flag | See Norway-Switzerland relations | |
| Template:Flag | 1992 | See Norway–Ukraine relations
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| Template:Flag | 1905 | See Norway–United Kingdom relations
Norway established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 6 November 1905.
Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic co-operation pact,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Council of Europe, the International Criminal Court, Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, OECD, OSCE, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Free Trade Agreement,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a Green Partnership,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a Strategic Partnership.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Oceania
[edit]| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | 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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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="NZ_Herald_137767">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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See also
[edit]- List of diplomatic missions in Norway
- List of diplomatic missions of Norway
- List of ambassadors to Norway
- Norway and the European Union
- Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Arctic policy of Norway
References
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- Berg, Roald. "Norway’s Foreign Politics during the Union with Sweden, 1814-1905: A Reconsideration." Diplomacy & Statecraft 31.1 (2020): 1-21. online Argues Norwegians did have a voice in foreign affairs.
- Danielsen, Helge. "Military Assistance, Foreign Policy, and National Security: The Objectives of US Military Assistance to Norway, 1950–1965." Scandinavian Journal of History 45.1 (2020): 71–94.
- Frankel, Joseph. "Comparing Foreign Policies: The Case of Norway." International Affairs 44.3 (1968): 482–493.
- German, Robert K. "Norway and the bear: Soviet coercive diplomacy and Norwegian security policy." International Security 7.2 (1982): 55-82 online.
- Holst, Johan Jørgen, ed. Norwegian Foreign Policy in the 1980s (Oxford UP, 1985).
- Lucas, Colin. "Great Britain and the Union of Norway and Sweden." Scandinavian Journal of History 15.3-4 (1990): 269–278.
- Lundestad, Geir. "The United States and Norway, 1905–2006 Allies of a kind: so similar, so different." Journal of Transatlantic Studies 4.2 (2006): 187–209.
- Lundestad, Geir. "The evolution of Norwegian security policy: Alliance with the West and reassurance in the East." Scandinavian Journal of History 17.2-3 (1992): 227–256.
- Lundestad, Geir. America, Scandinavia and the Cold War, 1945-1949 (1980),
- Padelford, Norman J. "Regional cooperation in Scandinavia." International Organization 11.4 (1957): 597–614; relations with Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, 1920–1955. online
- Pisarska, Katarzyna. "Peace Diplomacy and the Domestic Dimension of Norwegian Foreign Policy: The Insider's Accounts." Scandinavian Political Studies 38.2 (2015): 198–215.
- Riste, Olav. "The historical determinants of Norwegian foreign policy." in J. J. Holst, ed. Norwegian Foreign Policy in the 1980s (1985): 12–26.
- Salmon, Patrick. Scandinavia and the Great Powers 1890-1940 (2002) excerpt
- Salmon, Patrick. "How to write international history: Reflections on Norsk utenrikspolitikks historie." Diplomacy and Statecraft 9.1 (1998): 208–223.
External links
[edit]- Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
- History of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norwegian)
Template:Foreign relations of Norway Template:Norway topics Template:Foreign relations of Europe