Salar Mahmoud, Head of the Foreign Relations Central Board of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has been received at the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo by Marie Sneve Martinussen, leader of the Norwegian Red Party (Rødt), alongside several members of parliament. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation with the Kurdish diaspora and exploring mechanisms for closer joint engagement.

The meeting was also attended by Red Party MPs and Seher Aydar. Talks centred on coordination between the Kurdish diaspora in Norway and the Norwegian Parliament, as well as avenues for enhanced political and community cooperation.

During the discussions, Mahmoud expressed his appreciation to the Norwegian parliamentarians for their role in the recognition of the Halabja genocide by the Norwegian Parliament in 2011, describing it as an important step in acknowledging historical injustices against the Kurdish people.

In a separate meeting held at the Norwegian Parliament, Mahmoud met Mani Hussaini, a Kurdish-born Member of Parliament and Chair of the Energy Committee for the governing Labour Party. The meeting focused on mechanisms for strengthening cooperation, particularly regarding the political participation and representation of the Kurdish diaspora in Norway.

Mahmoud also expressed satisfaction with continued cooperation within the framework of the Socialist International, highlighting shared values and ongoing political dialogue between the parties involved.

A mobile consular service has been arranged in Oslo, the capital of Oslo, to provide assistance to Azerbaijani citizens living in Norway.

“In an effort to better serve our compatriots, the embassy organized a mobile consular service in Oslo for Azerbaijani citizens residing in Norway,” Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Norway Zaur Akhmedov wrote on X, reports per local media. 

The initiative is aimed at making consular services more accessible for citizens abroad, particularly those who may face difficulties traveling to embassy locations for administrative procedures.

(Caliber)

Norway and Morocco have signed a new agreement outlining cooperation to reduce emissions from Morocco’s power sector.

‘In order to cut emissions, we need more cooperation between countries. Over time, the agreement may increase the production of renewable energy in Morocco. The emission reductions made possible by Norwegian carbon funding can be converted into credits that Norway can purchase,’ said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

The agreement is concluded under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate on emission reductions. This is also known as carbon market cooperation. These carbon credits may help Norway meet its climate target for 2030. The emission reductions must be permanent and, after some years, may also be counted towards Morocco’s climate targets.

Norway is a frontrunner in establishing a global carbon market. The Ministry of Climate and Environment leads this work through the Norwegian Global Emission Reductions Initiative (NOGER).

A ceremonial event in Stavanger, Norway marked the 120th anniversary of the country’s diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. It was organized by the Bulgarian Embassy in Oslo and the Honorary Consulate of Bulgaria, the Embassy reported on Sunday.

The celebration was opened by Ambassador Desislava Ivanova. She spoke about the history of bilateral relations with Norway, established on August 20, 1906, highlighting the Embassy’s efforts to position Bulgaria and the Bulgarian community in the Nordic country as a visible element of Norwegian society that contributes to its cultural life.

Ambassador Ivanova noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established during a period of national revival for both peoples, founded on education and the associated natural aspiration for prosperity and freedom. She referred to a permanent exhibition at the Embassy featuring photographs of the ten Bulgarian ambassadors to Norway, based in Oslo over the years, and expressed her wish for continued momentum in bilateral political, economic and cultural exchanges. She announced forthcoming Embassy initiatives dedicated to the anniversary of bilateral relations.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a cultural programme organized by Bulgaria’s Honorary Consul in Stavanger, the renowned pianist and cultural manager Kiril Kutin. The programme included an exhibition of drawings by 25 children from the Bulgarian Sunday School branch in Stavanger, dedicated to bilateral relations. The artworks were created during a special masterclass under the guidance of artist Antoniy Sofev, who works in Stavanger. Young artist Iren Nikolova also took part, performing on the piano and exhibiting her own paintings.

The celebration brought together representatives of the Bulgarian community, the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Rogaland County, the Bulgarian Sunday School branch in Stavanger, and friends of Bulgaria from Stavanger and the wider region.

During a subsequent meeting of the Bulgarian community in the Stavanger area marking the seventh anniversary of the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Rogaland County, Ambassador Ivanova expressed special gratitude and congratulations to the association’s leadership for its patriotic work. She wished the organization many more years of success in uniting the Bulgarian community in the Stavanger area, preserving Bulgarian traditions and spirit through its activities, and continuing to serve as a positive example for Bulgarians throughout Norway.

Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh met Norwegian Ambassador to Syria Hilde Haraldstad at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in the fields of recovery, mine clearance and national capacity-building.

In a post on the X platform, al-Saleh said the meeting focused on the vision of a “Syria Without Camps,” infrastructure rehabilitation and recovery programs, particularly mine-clearance operations and the work of the National Mine Action Center.

He described demining efforts as an urgent humanitarian and security priority during the current phase, as well as a key requirement for protecting civilians and ensuring the safe return of displaced people.

Al-Saleh added that the discussions also addressed mechanisms for expanding areas of cooperation, strengthening national capacities and establishing an organized framework that enhances coordination and translates cooperation into practical outcomes that support recovery and stability efforts across Syria.

The meeting comes as Syria continues to advance initiatives aimed at addressing humanitarian challenges, restoring basic infrastructure and creating conditions that facilitate the voluntary and safe return of displaced communities.

On May 13, the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management organized a workshop entitled “Supporting the Vision of a Syria Without Camps” at the Royal Semiramis Hotel in Damascus.

The workshop was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Planning and Statistics Authority.

OSLO – In an emotional and historic moment for the nation, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre welcomed journalists to the newly rebuilt government headquarters this week, marking the end of a 15-year journey since the devastating 2011 terrorist attack.

“For five years during World War Two, running property was out of this environment. This time around we were away for fifteen years since the bomb went off in 2011 until we moved back into the new quarters. So it’s an historic moment,” Støre said.

The compound now houses 2,200 employees, with plans to reach over 4,000. Describing the architecture as “a combination of wood and Greek,” the Prime Minister emphasized the practical benefits of consolidating ministries that were previously scattered. “Had we decided to have ministries spread around, it would have been much more complicated, much more expensive because we would have to secure roads and corners and buildings.”

Støre noted that the 60% of reconstruction costs went to security measures. “I walk from my office to the foreign minister’s office, and it takes one minute and 40 seconds,” he said, contrasting with his seven years as foreign minister spent constantly moving between buildings.

Norway Deepens European Defense Ties with Nuclear Dialogue

Returning from Paris where he witnessed the signing of the Narvik Agreement with France, Støre outlined Norway’s “hedging strategy” in today’s security environment. While reaffirming that Norway’s security rests on its own modern defense and NATO membership—with the United States as its most significant ally—he stressed that “Europe has to take more charge, has to take more of the bill and more of the responsibility for security in Europe.”

Norway has now completed defense and security agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Most notably, Norway will join a dialogue with France on the development of its nuclear deterrent, alongside Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, the UK, Greece, and the Netherlands.

Støre was careful to clarify what this does and does not mean: “No nuclear weapons on Norwegian soil in peacetime, not changing. No funding from Norway to French nuclear weapons. No limitation to our efforts to promote arms control.”

“This is a French, uniquely French resource capability under the direction of the French president, not integrated into NATO plans,” he explained. “Norway’s objective is still to work and contribute to arms control and reduction of nuclear arsenals.”

Arctic Strategy: High North, Low Tension

On Arctic policy, Støre reaffirmed Norway’s longstanding principle of “high north, low tension” despite increasing difficulties following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Arctic Council continues to operate at “lower intensity,” but the Prime Minister emphasized that Nordic solidarity—particularly regarding Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark—has been “very consistent and well worked out.”

A new Arctic security strategy from the seven NATO Arctic nations is expected to be reflected at the NATO summit in July. “The law of the sea applies in the north,” Støre stated firmly. “Some deal with the Arctic as though it was some kind of terra nullius. This is not an area where rules don’t apply. They apply.”

Nordic Unity and European Questions

Regarding Iceland’s upcoming referendum on restarting EU membership negotiations, Støre said he fully respects Iceland’s decision but noted that when Sweden and Finland joined the EU in 1994, it did not tilt the balance in Norway. While personally having worked for Norwegian membership in the 1994 referendum that failed, he emphasized that today’s security environment demands domestic unity.

“In today’s security environment, keeping unity in my population is important. The fact that we can support Ukraine with a unanimous vote in Parliament is quite unique. The fact that we are about to land a long-term deal on defense… also unique.”

15 Years After July 22: Democracy Returns

Reflecting on the approaching 15th anniversary of the 2011 attacks that killed 77 people, Støre noted that five of his current cabinet ministers are survivors from Utøya island. “Quite a few went on to deal with politics and be engaged, and they reached where they have come. They have been recruited because they are the best.”

He expressed concern about extremism moving “from political ideological convictions into a kind of very serious and almost perverse violence-promoting addiction efforts towards young people” on the internet. “Democracy will be strong,” he concluded.

On Russia: Europe Must Talk

While declining to speculate on when Russia might test NATO, Støre offered a notable perspective: “I believe that Europe has to talk to Russia. We cannot live in a situation on European territory where we have this war ongoing with no political contact going.”

“Norway, like Finland, we are neighboring countries. We have borders, we have waters, and we want to manage things around those borders in a safe way. Geography is there, and we have to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.”

On energy policy amid claims of war profiteering, Støre was firm: “Norway will sell these energy resources at market price. This is the only thing a small country can do. If we politicize prices, we will become in situations which will be very hard to manage.”

As the parliamentary session enters its final three weeks, with defense planning and budget revision awaiting decisions, the Prime Minister struck an optimistic tone about Norway’s ability to navigate an increasingly volatile world from its new, unified headquarters—a symbol, he hopes, of democracy’s resilience.