Saturday, March 14, 2026
Diplomatic relations

Bulgaria and Norway to Work Together on Joint Projects Related to Western Balkans

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Bulgaria and Norway are going to work together on joint projects in the Western Balkans in order to urge young people to stay and develop in their home countries, reported the Bulgarian National Radio.

This was agreed by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide.

Norway also actively supports projects in Bulgaria within the framework of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism, whereby Norway provides 97% of funding, and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.

For the 2014-2021 programming period, Bulgaria has access to 210 million euros for innovation and SME development, justice, home affairs and civil society support. According to statistics, 7000 Bulgarians live in Norway.

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Sports

Oslo: Local Star Warholm To Tackle Clement and Bett

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

One of the sensations for Norwegian athletics in 2016 was the exciting development of Karsten Warholm. He started the season as a decathlete that dabbled in 400m and 400m hurdles. By the end of 2016, the twenty-one-year-old from Ulsteinvik had established himself as a major global threat at the 400m hurdles. Last season he broke the Norwegian record for 400m hurdles on numerous occasions. He achieved it at the European Championships in Amsterdam with a time of 48.84! Then he stepped up again at the Rio Olympics Games with another national record of 48.49 seconds and his only disappointment was to not earn a place in that final.

During the recent winter months, the former World Youth Decathlon Champion focused more on the one lap and broke 46 seconds for 400m indoors, whilst also establishing a new world record at the 300m hurdles indoors. At the IAAF Diamond League event, the Oslo Bislett Games on 15 June, Warholm will face a very stern test of character, ability and preparation.He will face, amongst others, the reigning Olympic and four-time World Champion Kerron Clement. The tall American has shown extraordinary consistency at major championships and first came to the spotlight in 2004 at the World Junior Championships. He won his first senior global title in 2007 (World Championships in Beijing) and has been a superstar in the event since then. Besides Clement, virtually the full field from the 400m hurdles Olympic Final in Rio will line up against Warholm.

This feature event of the 2017 Oslo Bislett Games will be viewed by a very special spectator. The absolute icon of the event, Edwin Moses, will be the guest of honor at Bislett stadium that night. Edwin Moses’s name is synonymous with the event. He was twice Olympic and World Champion, established new world records and at one stage of his illustrious career was unbeaten in 122 consecutive races. Moses redefined the event with his unique stride pattern and still holds the stadium and meet record at Bislett with a time of 47,67 set in 1979.

Here is the start list for the 400m at Oslo Bislett Games 15 june.

NameCredentialRIOPB
Karsten Warholm (NOR)World Record-Holder Indoor 300m hurdles9th48,49
Kerron Clement (USA)Olympic Champion (Rio 2016) & four times World Champion1st47,24
Nicholas Bett (KEN)Reigning World Champion 400m Hurdles ( Moscow 2015) DNS47,79
Yosmani Copello (TUR)Olympic Bronze medal Rio 2016 / Winner Bislett Games 20163rd47,92
Thomas Barr (IRL)Irish record-holder / 4th in Rio Olympic Games 400mH4th47,79
Ramus Maggi (EST)Estonian record-holder / 6th in rio Olympic Games 400mH 6th48,40
Boniface Mucheri(KEN)Olympic Silver Medal 400m Hurdles Rio 20162nd47,78
Kariem Hussien (SUI)European Champion 2014 in ZurichDNS48,45
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Norwegian Aid

Norway to pay USD 70 million to Brazil

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway will pay USD 70 million (NOK 600 million) to Brazil for reduced emissions from deforestation in the Amazon in 2017, line with climate and forest cooperation between the two countries.

– After two years of increasing deforestation, Brazil’s efforts in 2017 were encouraging: Deforestation dropped by 12 percent compared to the year before, and was 64 percent below the average of the decade prior to Brazil’s initiation of large-scale forest reforms in 2004, says Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Ola Elvestuen.

– It is encouraging that Brazil managed to reduce deforestation in the Amazone in 2017, despite economically challenging times, says Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Ola Elvestuen. Credit: Bjørn Stuedal

Elvestuen says Brazil has achieved very good results in the Amazon over the last decade.  Over the period of collaboration, Brazil has saved the atmosphere from emissions of more than 4,5 billion tons of CO2, almost 100 times Norway’s annual emissions.

This year’s payment from Norway to Brazil of USD 70 million is remuneration for the reduction of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon achieved in the forest year 2017 (August 2016-July 2017). The funds are disbursed to Brazil’s Amazon Fund, which supports projects that further reduce deforestation and improve the livelihoods of people living in the Amazon region (see fact box below on how Norwegian contributions are spent).

Alongside Norway, Germany also makes significant contributions to the Amazon fund.

– It is encouraging that Brazil managed to reduce deforestation in the Amazon last year, despite a challenging economic situation, says Elvestuen.

Recent deforestation trends are worrying

While Brazil can demonstrate reduced deforestation in 2017, preliminary figures indicate that logging increased in the forest year 2018. In a recently published estimate, Brazil’s  National Institute for Space Research (INPE) presented 2018 deforestation figures at 7900 km2. This corresponds to a 13,7 percent increase in deforestation from 2017 to 2018. The figures are still preliminary, but the possible increase gives reasons to concern both in Brazil and in Norway.

History has shown that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest often increases during election years.Brazil has just completed presidential and congressional elections in 2018.

The figures will only be verified next year, and will first then give the basis for payment from Norway in 2019, in line with the rules of the results-based cooperation between the two countries.  

– We look forward to talking to the new government about Brazil’s future plans and our bilateral cooperation. We hope and believe that Brazil will continue to show the world that it is possible to reduce deforestation while increasing agricultural production in a sustainable way. It is very positive that Brazilian businesses, and especially the agribusiness, are increasingly contributing to the efforts against deforestation in the Amazon.

Brazil has previously shown that growth in agricultural production is possible without negatively affecting the rainforest. 
According to Brazil’s Ministry of Environment, there are several reasons behind the rise in deforestation in 2018.  Increased demand for Brazilian agricultural products has stimulated the opening of new forest areas.  Longer and more severe dry seasons have led to a significant increase in forest fires. The increase in organized crime and illegal logging is often tied to other criminal activities, such as the illegal arms trade..

Norway is a proud partner of Brazil

Ola Elvestuen says Norway is a proud partner of Brazil, and considers the partnership to be a great success.

– Brazil’s results in reducing deforestation from 2005 to 2014 are one of the largest efforts to combat climate change in the last decade. Norway will continue to support the Amazon Fund until 2020, in accordance with our Joint Declaration with Brazil at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015 and our Contribution Agreement with the Amazon Fund. We look forward to discussing the way forward with the new administration.

( Ministry of Climate and Environment)

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Diplomatic relations

Armenia, Norway hold political consultations in Oslo

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Political consultations between the foreign ministries of the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Norway were held in Oslo, the capital of Norway, co-chaired by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s readout, the officials expressed satisfaction with the steadily expanding political dialogue and high-level contacts between Armenia and Norway in recent years, noting their mutual readiness to further strengthen them.

A number of issues related to the development of bilateral sectoral cooperation were discussed, including cooperation in the fields of economy, high technologies and cybersecurity, as well as the deepening of effective cooperation established on multilateral platforms.

The parties emphasized Norway’s continued support to Armenia, particularly in addressing humanitarian needs and strengthening Armenia’s capacities in the field of environmental protection.

The importance of expanding Armenia–EU partnership and making the best use of existing opportunities was highlighted. Norway’s close partnership with the EU was also emphasized as an important reference point for the future deepening of Armenia–EU cooperation. At the same time, both sides stressed the importance of further developing cooperation within the Armenia–Nordic–Baltic format.

Issues related to the 8th summit of the European Political Community to be held in Armenia this year and the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) were also discussed.

The sides exchanged views on a number of issues of international importance. Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan presented the current regional developments to his counterpart, including the positive dynamics in the South Caucasus following the Washington agreements.

The officials also touched upon the situation in the Middle East and a number of other issues on the international agenda of mutual interest.

(Published by Armenpress)

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Crimes

Police release images of suspect in U.S. embassy attack in Oslo

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Oslo, Norway, police have released images of a person suspected in the bombing outside the U.S. embassy in the city on Sunday.

Two images from surveillance video were released showing a person wearing all black with their face covered and carrying a backpack.

Glass doors were damaged at the site of incident at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, Norway, Sunday, after a loud bang was reported at the site. No injuries were reported and the police have launched an investigation. Photo by Fredrik Varfjell/EPA

Police said the explosion, which shattered a glass door, was from an improvised device set at the entrance to the building. It caused minor damage and no injuries. Police said there are no developments on the person’s motive.

Police are also looking at a video posted on Google Maps around the time of the explosion. It showed the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by the U.S. and Israeli military action on Feb. 28.

Police are asking for anyone with information about the suspect or who noticed anything unusual between midnight and 2 a.m. CET to contact them. They said they have used dogs, drones and helicopters to investigate the scene.

On Sunday, police weren’t sure if the explosion was an attack.

Frode Larsen, head of the joint investigation and intelligence unit, told a press conference that it’s “natural to view this in the context of the current security situation, and that it is a targeted attack against the American embassy. But we have not locked ourselves into just that one hypothesis.”

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Crimes

Explosion reported outside US embassy in Oslo, police say

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Police in Norway have cordoned off the area around the US embassy in Oslo after an explosion was reported there.

“Large resources” were sent to the area at about 01:00 local time (midnight GMT), police said.

“The police are in dialogue with the embassy and no injuries have been reported,” the statement said.

“There is currently no information about exactly what happened or who may be involved,” police added.

Michael Dellemyr, who is leading the police response, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK the explosion was at the public entrance to the building.

The embassy sustained minor damage, media reports say.

The US embassy is located in the Morgedalsvegen district of Oslo, about 7km (four miles) outside the city centre.

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Diplomatic relations

Armenian envoy discusses cooperation with Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Armenian Ambassador to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan met on March 3 with Norway’s Ambassador to the United States Anniken Krutnes and separately with Iceland’s Ambassador to the United States Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir.

During the meetings, Mkrtchyan referred to the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan and presented to his counterparts the bilateral agenda between Armenia and the United States.

The discussions also addressed opportunities for further development of relations between Armenia and Norway, as well as between Armenia and Iceland.

On August 8, a trilateral meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, U.S. President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was held at the White House, where a joint declaration on the results of the Washington meeting was signed.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, in the presence of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the United States, initialed the agreement “On the establishment of peace and interstate relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

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Diplomatic relations

Mongolia and Norway discuss issues of cooperation

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide held official talks, Montsame reported.

During the talks, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand Mongolia–Norway relations and cooperation. They also exchanged views on increasing trade, economic cooperation, and investment.

The sides agreed that there are opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, particularly by introducing Norway’s advanced renewable energy technologies and expertise, through which the country meets its energy needs entirely from renewable sources. They also emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation by supplying Mongolian wool and cashmere products to the Norwegian and Nordic markets.

The Ministers underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties and mutual understanding, and discussed cooperating on joint historical and cultural research as well as supporting Mongol studies. They proposed concluding relevant agreements aimed at easing visa requirements.

The Ministers also exchanged views on pressing international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.

The sides noted the tangible outcome of jointly initiating and adopting the UN resolution on “Enhancing Transparency in the Financing of Election Candidates, Political Parties and Electoral Campaigns”. The Mongolian side also commended Norway’s active participation in the international conference Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security.

Highlighting the importance both countries attach to environmental protection and combating climate change, the Mongolian side invited Norway to participate at a high level in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar this August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia reported.

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Diplomatic relations

Norwegian FM: Israeli strike on Iran does not comply with international law

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said on Saturday that he is deeply concerned that a new large-scale war is beginning in the Middle East following strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran, Reuters reports.

“Israel calls this attack a preemptive strike, but it does not comply with international law. Preemptive attacks require the immediate elimination of an imminent threat,” he said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

He also called for restraint and urged that diplomatic solutions not be abandoned.

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Crimes

More minors in Norway want to reduce their social media use: Report

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

More Norwegian children and young people want to reduce their social media use, according to a new survey.

A new report from the Norwegian Media Authority said that 38% of surveyed children and young people say they spend too much time on social media, while 30% wish they could log off more often, public broadcaster NRK reported.

The survey, done of 1,750 young age 9-18, said there has been a slight increase among those concerned about their own social media use since the last time it was done in 2024.

As the Norwegian Media Authority seeks to find out why the apps’ functions and design make it difficult or impossible to log out, researcher Henrik Haug Saetra said major social media platforms employ experts dedicated to maximizing user engagement.

“It is called, among other things, ‘addictive design’,” Kamilla Steinnes, a researcher at OsloMet, told NRK.

She explained she also finds it hard to log off, explaining that short, entertaining videos create a sense of community and belonging while keeping users engaged and feeling up to date.

“If you log out, the fear of missing out increases. This makes it difficult to put your phone away,” Steinnes added.

The report also said that 28% of respondents agree that social media prevents them from getting enough sleep.

The report comes amid growing efforts by countries worldwide to restrict or ban minors’ use of social media.

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Crimes

Former Norway PM attempts suicide after Epstein scandal

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland was hospitalized a week ago after attempting suicide, iNyheter reports.

The portal’s sources note that this episode of hospitalization had not previously been covered in the media.

Jagland, 75, was charged on February 12 with aggravated corruption in connection with his close relationship with American financier and convicted sex offender, the late Jeffrey Epstein. On the same day, Norwegian police conducted extensive searches of Jagland’s homes, including his apartment in Oslo and his residence in Risor.

As per iNyheter, on February 17, his lawyer, Andres Brosveet, reached an agreement with the press not to publicize this dramatic incident. The newspaper cited a “reliable source” who confirmed that Jagland’s condition was serious, but did not specify in which hospital he was receiving treatment.

The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime formally charged Jagland on February 12 with “serious corruption.”

The letter to the Council of Europe, requesting the lifting of Jagland’s immunity, states that he and his family members repeatedly had used Epstein’s private apartments in Paris and New York between 2011 and 2018, as well as his villa in Palm Beach, Florida.

According to the document, Epstein allegedly had paid for the travel expenses of six adults during one of those visits. In addition, it is alleged that Jagland agreed to reimburse the travel and hotel expenses of a group of six people in the Caribbean, although the trip did not ultimately take place. The letter also states that Jagland had asked Epstein for assistance in obtaining a bank loan, but it is not known whether it was granted.

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Defence

Kongsberg to upgrade combat system on Skjold class

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency for upgrading the combat system on board the Norwegian Navy’s Skjold class vessels.

The contract has a value of about NOK 400 million and the deliveries from KONGSBERG will upgrade and improve the technical availability of the Skjold class. The project is a continuation of the upgrade of the Skjold combat system, initially awarded in 2022.

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“We are pleased to continue the work with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency on the Skjold class to support and strengthen the fleet’s operational ability and availability,” said Kjetil Reiten Myhra, Executive Vice President, Defence Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

“This contract is an important contribution to ensuring that the Skjold-class remains a relevant and combat-capable asset in the years ahead. The upgrade enhances precision, detection capability and endurance, and constitutes a key element in the overall modernisation of the vessels,” says Head of Maritime Capabilities, Stein Håvard Bergstad at Norwegian Defence Material Agency.

The Norwegian Navy has six Skjold class vessels, which rank among the fastest naval vessels in the world.

Photo courtesy Forsvaret/L. Kjendalen

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NATO and Norway

US withdraws from NATO exercise in Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The US is withdrawing large parts of its planned air forces, including F-35 fighter jets, from the biennial Cold Response exercise in Norway, the Nordic country said Friday.

The Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed to local daily Fremover that they have been informed that some US forces will not be taking part in the major NATO exercise

“We have been informed today that the US forces will not be coming. They will be elsewhere in the world,” said Lt. Col. Espen Solemdal.

The move comes amid the US’ continued military buildup in the Middle East meant to pressure Iran.

Solemdal said that this affects the air defense battalion’s exercise arena as they lost eight exercise targets, stressing the seriousness of the situation that led to the redeployment of US forces.

The exercise will continue as planned with the remaining forces, he added.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that the USS Gerald R. Ford, described as the world’s largest aircraft carrier, would soon head to the region if talks between Washington and Tehran fail.

“In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” he said. “It’ll be leaving very soon.”

The USS Abraham Lincoln and a fleet of destroyers are already stationed in the Persian Gulf, having been dispatched last month amid rising tensions between the two countries.

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Asia and Norway

India PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit Fuels Optimism in Oslo Boardrooms

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Oslo, Norway – A wave of optimism swept through Oslo’s business and political corridors today as high-level discussions paved the way for a significant expansion of the India-Norway partnership. With the much-anticipated visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway later this year on the horizon, leaders from both nations expressed confidence in unlocking a new era of cooperation in everything from green technology to the blue economy.

The day’s activities began with a high-powered Roundtable meeting, where the CEO of India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) joined forces with prominent Norwegian CEOs and investors. The Indian delegation, led by a senior minister, engaged in “positive interactions” with over 35 leaders from Norway’s top business and investment community.

Discussions centered on India’s remarkable trajectory as the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Indian leaders noted that the official visit has already catalyzed encouraging dialogues, positioning India not just as a market, but as a prime investment destination for Norwegian capital and expertise.

A Warm Welcome from the Prime Minister

The momentum continued as the Indian minister called on Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. During the meeting, Prime Minister Støre conveyed Norway’s eagerness to host Prime Minister Modi later this year, expressing firm confidence that the visit will act as a powerful catalyst to further expand the bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Støre lauded India’s ongoing reform momentum, which he noted presents “strong potential for collaboration.” He specifically highlighted key sectors where the two countries can thrive together, including fisheries, health technology, maritime industries, and space exploration. He also took a moment to praise the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora in Norway, acknowledging their role as a vibrant bridge between the two societies.

From TEPA to Tech: Charting the Future

The discussions went beyond broad strokes, delving into the operationalisation of existing frameworks like the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and the newly signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Leaders outlined key areas for immediate and long-term collaboration, including high-tech manufacturing, start-ups, and semiconductors. In a nod to shared global challenges, they also focused heavily on green solutions such as renewable energy, waste management, and cutting-edge carbon capture and storage technologies.

Finance Minister Stoltenberg Sees “Many Opportunities”

The spirit of cooperation carried into a meeting with Norway’s Minister of Finance, Jens Stoltenberg. Mr. Stoltenberg remarked that India’s sustained economic growth offers a landscape rich with opportunities for Norwegian investment and expansion.

Their talks zeroed in on the renewable sector, with a specific focus on solar power, rare earth processing, and carbon capture and storage—areas where Norwegian technology and Indian scale could create a powerful synergy. Both parties agreed to work intensively towards leveraging the TEPA, particularly within the blue economy and green economy. The conversation also highlighted the potential for increased investment into India from Norway’s massive sovereign wealth and pension funds.

Mr. Stoltenberg echoed Prime Minister Støre’s sentiments, reiterating Norway’s keen anticipation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit later this year and expressing hope that it will usher in a new, expanded chapter in India-Norway cooperation.

With strong political will and burgeoning business interest, the stage is set for 2024 to be a landmark year in the India-Norway partnership.

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Defence

Norway and Germany sign defence arrangement

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Defence Ministers signed a historic defence arrangement, known as the “Hansa Arrangement”. – It is more important than ever that European countries work closely together on our shared security, said Defence Minister Sandvik.

– Strong European cooperation is essential to fulfilling NATO’s burden-sharing commitments, where Europe must assume a greater share of responsibility for its own security. Germany is one of Norway’s most important allies in Europe and our key partner in the EU. Now, we are taking our close and robust cooperation a step further, said Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.

Germany's Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, and Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, are signing the German-Norwegian defence agreement.
Germany’s Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, and Norway’s Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, are signing the German-Norwegian defence agreement.

Last summer, Prime Minister Støre and Chancellor Merz announced that Norway and Germany would develop a bilateral defence arrangement. This arrangement was signed during the Munich Security Conference.

– This is a natural development in an evolving security landscape. We aim to establish a framework that encompasses the full scope of bilateral defence cooperation between Norway and Germany. Our countries stand united in a time of heightened uncertainty in Europe, sharing security interests, a solid industrial partnership, and a joint responsibility to strengthen NATO and European security, Sandvik added.

Five key areas of cooperation 

The arrangement covers collaboration across all domains, with five primary focus areas:

  • Space-based surveillance, targeting and communications
  • Maritime security and joint maritime operations in the North Atlantic and the North Sea
  • Land warfare with the use of combined arms.
  • Rapid reinforcement
  • Defence industry
  •  

Strengthening maritime cooperation

Norway and Germany already cooperate extensively in areas such as space activities, maritime security, land operations, mutual reinforcement, and the defence industry. A central pillar of this cooperation is defence materiel, including submarines, missiles, and new main battle tanks.

Norway’s Parliament, Stortinget recently approved the acquisition of two additional submarines, bringing the total to six. Once delivered, Norway and Germany will each operate six identical submarines. The countries are also collaborating on the development of next-generation long-range maritime missiles (3SM).

– Submarines are critical to the defence of allied territory. They are vital to NATO’s ability to maintain control and defence in the North Atlantic and the High North. Our partnership with Germany is crucial in this effort. We have established comprehensive cooperation on personnel training, and both nations are building new maintenance facilities at Haakonsvern in Bergen—a state-of-the-art capability for our submarine fleets, Sandvik noted.

Like Norway, Germany is modernising its navy in the coming years. 

– Together, we will field larger and more capable naval forces. Germany is committed to taking greater responsibility in the North Atlantic, with increased presence in our neighbouring regions. This is a positive development for Norwegian and allied security, he said.

Allied reinforcement in Norway

Germany’s forces regularly train and exercise in Norway, including during the upcoming winter exercise Cold Response 26. 

– This training is essential for allied forces to operate effectively in Norwegian conditions, particularly in winter. Allied presence directly enhances Norway’s security, Sandvik emphasised.

Norway will continue to expand its infrastructure to support the reception of allied reinforcements. Discussions are underway on whether Germany will pre-position equipment in Norway.

Norway’s acquisition of German Leopard A28 main battle tanks help further develop cooperation between the land forces.

– Main battle tanks are the Army’s primary combat system and are pivotal to our land warfare capabilities. As Germany also strengthens its land forces, we can exchange valuable insights on training, exercises, tactics, and technology, Sandvik said.

Norwegian and German’s forces also cooperate closely, including in the German-led NATO Multinational brigade in Lithuania as a part of the Alliance’s enhanced forward presence.

Industrial cooperation and space activities

Last year, Norway was the second-largest importer of defence materiel after Ukraine, procuring equipment worth up to €1.4 billion (approximately NOK 16 billion). This investment fosters industrial cooperation and supports jobs and value creation in Norway. One example is that the Norwegian company RITEK based in Trøndelag in the middle of Norway, will assemble 37 of the 54 Leopard 2 main battle tanks that Norway has ordered from the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

Norwegian and German industries are also advancing joint technology projects in the space domain. 

– Space capabilities are increasingly vital to military operations. Andøya Spaceport plays a central role in Norway’s space strategy and holds significant potential for Germany’s launch activities, Sandvik highlighted.

(MFA Norway)

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China and Norway

China hopes Norway will play a role in the Europe ties

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday expressed hope that Norway will play a constructive role in promoting the steady development of China-Europe relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany.

Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 14, 2026. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang said China has always viewed its relations with Norway from a strategic and long-term perspective, and stands ready to maintain close exchanges at all levels, deepen cooperation across various fields, and sustain the sound and steady momentum of bilateral ties.

Noting that multilateralism has emerged as a consensus at this year’s conference, Wang stressed that multilateralism does not mean acting arbitrarily, nor does multipolarity imply domination by a handful of major powers.

All parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the international rule-of-law system, Wang said.

Wang added that Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an equal and orderly multipolar world, in which equality means that countries of all sizes have the right to participate, and order means jointly observing international law.

China and Norway both support multilateralism and free trade, the Chinese foreign minister added, calling for closer communication and coordination.

Eide said Wang’s speech at the Munich Security Conference clearly elaborated China’s position on reforming and improving global governance, which highly aligns with Norway’s stance.

Norway attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to continue strengthening dialogue and cooperation, enhance coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the World Trade Organization, and jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, Eide added.

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Sports

Norwegian cross-country skier breaks Olympic medal record

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Klaebo has broken the gold medal record at the Winter Olympics, by winning his ninth gold medal.

Johannes Klaebo
© AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

On Sunday, Klaebo won the 4×7.5 km relay as part of the Norwegian team. The French took silver and the Italian team took bronze.

Eight-time Olympic champions in winter sports include biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen, as well as cross-country skiers Bjorn Daehlie and Marit Bjorgen. They also represented Norwegian team.

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Corruption in Norway

Norway police search former PM’s properties in Epstein links probe

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Ex-PM Thorbjørn Jagland’s properties were searched as his immunity was lifted over links to the late disgraced financier, amid wider Norwegian fallout over Epstein.

Police in Norway searched properties belonging to former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland on Thursday, his lawyer said, following the launch of a corruption probe over his dealings with late disgraced financier and convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland talks during a press conference in Nicosia, 19 May, 2017 AP Photo

Jagland is being investigated after documents the US Justice Department released in January suggested he and his family stayed or vacationed with Epstein between 2011 and 2018, when he was chairing the Nobel Committee, which awards the Peace Prize and was also secretary general of the pan-continental Council of Europe.

Police with the specialised Okokrim economic crimes unit were “currently conducting searches of Thorbjørn Jagland’s residence and recreational properties,” his lawyer Anders Brosveet said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Council of Europe said it was honouring a request from Norwegian authorities to waive Jagland’s immunity from legal processes that he had previously enjoyed.

The pan-European human rights body based in Strasbourg said that such immunity aims “to safeguard the independent exercise of official functions,” and wasn’t intended for “personal benefit.”

The latest batch of Epstein documents released in January also showed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, borrowed an Epstein-owned property in Palm Beach for several days in 2013.

In an email exchange between Epstein and Mette-Marit in 2012, he noted how he was in Paris “on my wife hunt,” but “i prefer Scandinavians”.

She replied that the French capital was “good for adultery,” but “Scandis” were “better wife material.”

Mette-Marit apologised this month for “the situation I have put the royal family in,” and said: “Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be.”

Mona Juul, Norway’s former ambassador to Jordan, who was involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts in the 1990s, resigned over the weekend after reports said that Epstein left $10 million (€8.4 million) to Juul’s children in a will drawn up shortly before he died.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said that a ministry investigation into her knowledge of and contact with Epstein remained ongoing, while Juul would continue to cooperate with Norwegian officials to clarify the situation.

At the end of January, the US Justice Department released further investigative files into Epstein, resuming disclosures under a law intended to reveal what the government knew about the millionaire’s sexual abuse of young girls.

Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department was releasing more than 3 million pages of documents, as well as more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.

The files, posted to the department’s website, include some of the several million pages of records that officials said were withheld from an initial release of documents in December.

They were disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the law enacted after months of public and political pressure that requires the government to open its files on Epstein and his confidant and onetime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Mention in the files does not implicate wrongdoing. However, the files revealed many maintained close ties to Epstein, particularly after his conviction in 2008, sparkingseveral high-profile scandals across Europe since January.

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Crimes

Afghan National Killed in Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian media, citing police, report security forces are continuing the search for the suspect behind the killing of an Afghan man in Bergen Sunday night.

Norwegian police confirmed an Afghan former security force member was shot dead outside his home, with the attacker escaping before officers arrived.

Norwegian police said the victim, a former member of Afghanistan’s elite Unit 222, was attacked outside his residence in the Arena area and died while being transported to hospital.

Authorities said the assailant fled before police reached the scene. A search operation involving drones and police dogs is underway, but no suspect has been arrested so far.

The victim and his family relocated to Norway after the collapse of Afghanistan’s previous government in 2021, seeking safety along with many former security personnel.

Afghan communities in several European countries have recently expressed concern about safety risks and possible exposure of personal data following diplomatic changes involving Afghan missions abroad.

Police said the attacker’s identity and motive remain unknown, and investigators are continuing efforts to track down the suspect.

Security analysts note former Afghan government and military personnel living abroad have faced growing concerns over threats, though no evidence links any group directly to this attack.

Authorities say investigations continue, while Afghan refugees in Norway call for stronger protection measures and clarity about the circumstances surrounding the killing.

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Asia and Norway

Việt Nam strengthening cooperation with Norway: Việt Nam FM

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Việt Nam attaches importance to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Norway, as the two sides have favourable conditions to complement each other and expand mutually beneficial cooperation towards green transition and circular economy development, said Việt Nam Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung on Tuesday.

At a reception for Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust, Trung suggested that the two sides step up political trust through the exchange of delegations at all levels via all channels, and promote Norway’s strengths and the two countries’ potential in areas such as investment-trade, agriculture, sustainable fisheries development, high technology, climate change adaptation, environmental protection and green growth, in order to further expand bilateral relations in a more substantive and effective manner.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung hosted Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

The Vietnamese minister thanked Norway for its valuable support over the years, stressing that the two sides should continue effective traditional cooperation in areas such as education and training, as well as development assistance to help Việt Nam enhance capacity, strengthen institutions, promote gender equality and foster socio-economic development.

Both host and guest expressed delight at the positive progress in negotiations to establish a Việt Nam–Norway Green Strategic Partnership. They agreed to push forward negotiations and work towards the early signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Việt Nam and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), namely Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, with a view to diversifying markets and delivering tangible benefits to businesses and people of both sides.

For his part, Aukrust spoke highly of Việt Nam’s role, position and proactive foreign policy, describing Việt Nam as Norway’s friend and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that his visit to the country took place shortly after the successful 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, reflecting a high level of political trust and the Norwegian Government’s strong interest in promoting more substantive and comprehensive cooperation with Việt Nam, and highlighting that ample room remains for expanding cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Against the backdrop of increasing global instability and rising trade tensions, Aukrust said Norway wishes to strengthen cooperation with Việt Nam in areas such as trade, sustainable fisheries, green energy, the marine economy, green transition and the development of a circular economy. He also reaffirmed Norway’s readiness to continue working with Việt Nam to promote multilateralism and contribute to addressing global challenges.

Exchanging views on international and regional issues, the two sides agreed to step up exchanges and coordination of positions on matters of mutual concern, and promote inter-regional cooperation, particularly within the frameworks of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. — VNA/VNS

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Corruption in Norway

Norway police investigate over Epstein corruption

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian police are investigating two high-profile diplomats in a corruption probe announced on Monday (Feb 9), part of a widening scandal in the Nordic country and across Europe over prominent figures’ ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mona Juul, who resigned as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq on Sunday, is suspected of gross corruption and her husband, former government minister Terje Roed-Larsen, is suspected of complicity in gross corruption, police said.

Norway’s Ambassador to the United Nations Mona Juul addresses the United Nations Security Council during a meeting, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York City, New York, US, April 5, 2022. 
PHOTO: Reuters file

“A new investigation has been opened in connection with the Epstein files… We are facing a comprehensive and, by all accounts, long-term investigation,” Norway’s financial crimes squad, Oekokrim, said in a statement.

Juul and Roed-Larsen are cooperating with the investigation and see no merit in the accusations against them, their lawyers said.

Roed-Larsen’s ties to Epstein initially came to light in the Norwegian press in 2019. He has apologised several times for the relationship and in 2020 stepped down as CEO of the New York-based International Peace Institute, a think tank.

The couple’s connections to the American financier, who killed himself in a New York jail in 2019, returned to the spotlight after the US Justice Department released millions of pages of files related to his case last month.

Among other references to Juul and Roed-Larsen, the files showed they made plans to visit Epstein’s private island with their two children in 2011, though it was unclear if the visit took place.

Roed-Larsen, who appeared to have a deeper friendship with Epstein than his wife, thanked Epstein for “everything you have done” in a text message in 2017 and called him his “best friend” and a “thoroughly good human being.”

Epstein also helped the couple negotiate an Oslo apartment purchase in 2018 and in an email exchange told the seller “it will become unpleasant” if he backed out of the deal over a price he considered too low.

In a will signed two days before his death, Epstein stated that the couple’s two children would stand to inherit US$5 million (S$6.3 million) each.

Roed-Larsen’s lawyer, John Christian Elden, said in a statement the police investigation centred on the 2018 real-estate transaction and “a possible trip in 2011”.

“Roed-Larsen is confident that once all the factual circumstances have been thoroughly reviewed, the investigation will clarify that there is no basis for criminal liability, and the case will be dismissed,” Elden said.

Juul has represented Norway as ambassador to Israel and UK and at the United Nations. Referring to her, police said Oekokrim would investigate among other things whether “benefits were received in connection with her position.”

Juul viewed it positively that the allegations against her will now be subject to a thorough investigation, allowing the circumstances to be clarified, her lawyer Thomas Skjelbred said.

“My client does not recognise the accusations made against her,” Skjelbred said in a statement.

The couple were part of a small group of diplomats facilitating the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords, seen at the time as a breakthrough in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, although peace in the region remains elusive.

Roed-Larsen, 78, was briefly a cabinet minister in 1996 under then-Prime Minister Thorbjoern Jagland.

Several other prominent Norwegians also had links to Epstein, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has apologised.

In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing back against calls for his resignation over his appointment of Peter Mandelson, who had previously known ties to Epstein, as ambassador to Washington.

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China and Norway

China slams ‘threat’ label in Norway security report as ‘sheer speculation’

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Chinese Embassy in Norway on Saturday issued a statement expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the annual threat assessment reports released by Norway’s Police Security Service (PST), the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Security Authority (NSM).

According to the official website of Chinese Embassy in Norway, a spokesperson said the assessments once again fabricated the so-called “China threat” narrative out of sheer speculation and imagination, replete with clichés and not worthy of refutation.

The China-related content is gravely inconsistent with facts and runs counter to the trend of the development of China-Norway relations, the spokesperson noted. “We strongly deplore and firmly oppose to this,” said the spokesperson.

According to the Norwegian government’s website, the assessments were presented on Friday by the directors of the PST, NIS and NSM, who said the releases were “intended to strengthen public vigilance, preparedness and understanding.”

China has consistently upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, firmly defended international fairness and justice, and respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, the spokesperson said.

China regards the promotion of world peace and development as its own responsibility, has never sought any so-called “sphere of influence”, and has never targeted Norway, the spokesperson added.

“These facts are clear and evident to the international community,” the spokesperson said, adding that at a time of profound global changes, and in the face of intensified bullying and hegemonism, all countries should work together to address challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

However, certain Norwegian agencies persist in adopting a misguided approach, viewing China through tinted glasses, and provoking public sentiment and confrontation under the guise of “security” thereby undermining bilateral cooperation, according to the spokesperson.

Such practices disregard facts and truth, lack professionalism, and will ultimately harm Norway’s own interests, the spokesperson said.

Division and confrontation lead nowhere and global solidarity is the only right choice. We urge relevant Norwegian agencies to see clearly the global trend and the tide of the times, immediately stop spreading disinformation, change course at an early date, and contribute positively to the development of China-Norway relations, the spokesperson noted.

(Global Times)

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Asia and Norway

Telecom Giant Accused of Busting Campaign in Bangladesh

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

A Norwegian state-linked multinational stand accused of orchestrating a sustained campaign to crush unionization at its Bangladesh subsidiary, exploiting weak legal systems to avoid accountability for over 14 years, a Norway News investigation reveals.

The case centers on Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s largest telecom operator and is a subsidiary of Telenor ASA. In 2012, workers formed the first independent union in the country’s corporate telecom sector. Within 24 hours of submitting the registration paperwork, seven union committee members—including the president, vice president, and communication secretary—and over 200 members were terminated illegally. The company later forced many to resign, offering to withdraw termination but threatening to withhold provident fund, gratuity, and other benefits. All resigned except three union leaders: Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury (Communication Secretary), Rasulul Amin Murad (Vice President), and Omer Faruk (President). They challenged the terminations in court in 2012, a case that remains pending, with slow proceedings and repeated company tactics to delay justice.

Fourteen years later, the dismissed workers’ cases remain stuck in Bangladeshi courts. Internal documents and court records suggest the company has systematically used procedural delays—including repeated adjournments and appeals—to prevent resolutions. During this same period, Grameenphone reported annual profits in the billions of kroner.

“This is a textbook case of using a jurisdiction’s institutional weaknesses as a strategic shield,” stated a European labour law expert consulted for this story. “Practices alleged here would be rapidly sanctioned in Norway, but in Bangladesh, justice can be delayed indefinitely.”

In 2022, Adeeba Zerin Chowdhury filed complaints with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the ILO, which were formally registered as CFA Case No. 3263. Despite the ILO’s instructions in 2025 urging the Bangladeshi government to resolve the matter without further delay, no action has been taken.

The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association formally condemned the actions in 2024, issuing clear recommendations for ADR. Our investigation confirms these recommendations remain unimplemented.

The scale of alleged labour strife at the subsidiary is staggering. Sources within the Bangladeshi labour movement and court databases indicate Grameenphone is a defendant in over 1,500 individual labour disputes, ranging from illegal termination to withheld benefits. Approximately 4,000 former workers have reportedly been waiting up to 15 years for legally owed severance and other dues.

When groups of these workers organized peaceful protests to claim their money, authorities deployed water cannons and filed criminal charges against dozens. 

Meanwhile, over 3,300 employees were pressured into “voluntary” retirement schemes during major “cost-cutting” initiatives, despite the company’s robust financial health.

The Norwegian connection raises urgent questions about ethical stewardship. The Norwegian state is a significant owner of Telenor, and the case has already traveled through official channels—the Prime Minister’s Office formally referred to a detailed complaint to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries for review under Norway’s responsible business conduct framework.

“This presents a direct test of Norway’s commitment to its own ethical guidelines for state-owned enterprises,” said a senior researcher at a Norwegian human rights NGO. “When your subsidiary is accused of violating the very principles you champion internationally, ownership responsibility cannot be passive.

The state has a duty to investigate and ensure remedy.” Telenor, when presented with the core findings, reiterated its commitment to “operating in compliance with local laws” and stated it takes all allegations seriously. It did not, however, address specific questions about the ILO’s unimplemented decisions or the strategy of legal delay.

The saga highlights a growing challenge in global business: the gap between corporate human rights rhetoric and operational reality in markets with constrained civil society and slow judiciaries. For the workers in Bangladesh, 14 years of litigation has meant financial ruin, blacklisting from the industry, and shattered faith in the system.

For Norway, it poses an uncomfortable question: How far does its much-vaunted ethical responsibility truly extend when profits and principles collide abroad?

News published on local print media in Bangladesh. 

https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/print/ilo-urges-govt-to-end-gpeu-case-sans-delay-1731437328?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.newagebd.net/post/foreign-affairs/250214/ilo-urges-govt-for-quick-completion-of-gpeu-case?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Russia and Norway

Brush with Peace: British Veteran’s Art Bridges Nations in Oslo

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

(Oslo, Norway) – In the historic halls of the Russian Embassy, under the soft glow of chandeliers, the unyielding spirit of Stalingrad was remembered not with speeches of conflict, but with the universal language of art and music. On February 3, the exhibition “Stalingrad Suite” by British World War II veteran and artist Kenneth Loynes opened, marking the 83rd anniversary of the battle that changed the course of the war.

The event, captured in photographs shared by the Embassy of Russia in Norway on its official Facebook page, wove together a tapestry of remembrance that stretched from the Volga to the Norwegian fjords.

The main guest was Lyubov Kovaleva, a living witness to the siege of Stalingrad, whose presence served as a powerful, human anchor to the historical moment being honored. Alongside diplomats, Norwegian citizens, and members of the Russian compatriot community, the audience embarked on a journey through Loynes’s evocative paintings—a British perspective on one of the Soviet Union’s most defining trials.

In his address, Russian Ambassador Nikolai Korchunov framed the evening’s purpose. “The Great Patriotic War affected every family in our country,” he noted, paying tribute to those who made victory possible. He then highlighted the role of culture in the present day: “In times of geopolitical tension, culture and art remain one of the most important tools for restoring trust and reminding us of universal human values.”

The artistic dialogue continued beyond canvas. The hauntingly beautiful wartime songs and classical pieces by Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev, performed by musicians Timur Dorfman, Adrian Kharitonov, and Svyatoslav Grabovsky, filled the room, connecting emotional threads across decades.

The program underscored a deep Norwegian connection to this chapter of history. Guests viewed an excerpt from a documentary by renowned Norwegian filmmaker Jarle Andhøy, focusing on the veterans who survived Stalingrad. An interview with the late artist Kenneth Loynes, presented by his friend Margrete Geurts-Lakin, added a personal, reflective layer to the displayed works.

The most resonant local chord was struck at the evening’s conclusion. Ambassador Korchunov presented compatriot Tatyana Toresen with the prestigious Honorary Sign of a Compatriot. She was recognized for her years of dedicated work in identifying Soviet prisoners of war buried in Norwegian soil and tirelessly searching for their relatives—a solemn mission of closure and respect that binds the two nations’ histories in a shared duty to the dead.

The “Stalingrad Suite” evening was more than a diplomatic reception. It was a multifaceted act of remembrance: a British veteran’s artistic testament, a Norwegian filmmaker’s documentary pursuit, a musician’s elegy, and a civilian’s quiet, determined work to restore names to the forgotten. It demonstrated how the memory of a pivotal battle, fought far from Norway, continues to foster cultural dialogue and humanitarian cooperation, reminding all that from the darkest chapters of history, seeds of shared human understanding can still grow.

(Information and Photos courtesy of the Facebook page of the Embassy of Russia in Norway).

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Royal House

Norway parliament votes in favor of retaining monarchy

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Storting, the parliament of Norway, has voted in favor of retaining the monarchy in the country. Out of 169 MPs, 141 voted in favor, and 26 against, Norwegian media report. A two-thirds majority in parliament was needed to transition to a republican system of governance.

The vote was held against the backdrop of several scandals surrounding the Norwegian royal family and a decline in its popularity.

The trial of 29-year-old Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, began in Oslo on Tuesday. He is accused of a total of 38 crimes, including four counts of rape. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Also, a new scandal is brewing around her mother, Princess Mette-Marit. This is connected with the publication of a new batch of documents in the case of the notorious billionaire, the late Jeffrey Epstein, accused of sex crimes in the US. It turned out that Mette-Marit’s ties with Epstein were much closer than previously believed.

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Defence

Poland to manufacture missiles for Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Poland will manufacture the missiles for K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery systems that Norway is purchasing from South Korea.

Poland itself has previously ordered hundreds of the systems, and last month signed an agreement to begin producing some of the missiles for them domestically.

On Thursday, Norway’s government announced that it had selected South Korea’s Hanwha Group as the supplier for its new land-based long-range precision fire systems.

It will procure 16 launch units, an unspecified number of missiles, as well as logistics support and training in a deal worth 19 billion kroner (€1.66 billion). Defence minister Tore O. Sandvik described it as “one of the largest investments ever made” by the Norwegian army.

“Production lines for the missiles will be established in Poland, which also buys a significant number of the same system,” wrote the Norwegian government in its statement.

“This will strengthen security of supply for Norway and other European customers of the system,” they added, noting that “Hanwha is now planning to supply all European customers with missiles from there [Poland]”.

In December, a consortium made up of Hanwha and Poland’s WB Electronics signed a 14 billion zloty (€3.3 billion) agreement with the Polish state treasury to manufacture more than 10,000 CGR-080 precision-guided missiles for Chunmoo systems at a new production facility in the city of Gorzów Wielkopolski.

That arrangement, which includes the transfer of missile production technology from South Korea to Poland, was part of a deal that has seen Warsaw order 288 Chunmoo systems, with their Polish variant known as Homar-K.

In a post on X on Thursday, Polish defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the December agreement had helped underpin the Norwegian order.

“Poland is becoming an increasingly important point on the map of the European arms industry,” he declared. “By developing arms production, we can attract new contractors.”

In 2022, Norway also became one of the first foreign buyers of Piorun man-portable air-defence systems from their Polish manufacturer, Mesko.

Since then, Sweden and Belgium have been among the other countries to purchase Pioruns, which have proved a success in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.

In recent years, Poland has also been seeking to strengthen military, energy and economic ties with Baltic and Nordic states. Last year, Norway opened a new facility in Poland for training Ukrainian military personnel.

Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.

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Science

Space Norway partners with MoD for station on Arctic island

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Space Norway is collaborating with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence to develop a new subsea cable landing station (CLS) on a remote Arctic island.

Space Norway has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency, Forsvarsbygg, for support in constructing a cable landing station on Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean.

The CLS will host the Arctic Way subsea fiber cable from mainland Norway to the islands of Jan Mayen and Svalbard.

Jan Mayen is a Norwegian volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean with no permanent population. It lies 600 km (370 miles) northeast of Iceland, 500 km (310 miles) east of Greenland, and 900 km (560 miles) northwest of Norway.

Olonkin Town is the only settlement on the Norwegian island. It houses people working for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. There are currently no subsea cables landing on the island.

Space Norway is developing the cable on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. First announced in February 2025, the 2,350km system will link Bodø on the Norwegian mainland with Jan Mayen and Longyearbyen, Svalbard. It is set for completion in 2028. Subcom has been tapped to manufacture the cable.

“For Space Norway, it has been important to coordinate the landing of Arctic Way on Jan Mayen with Forsvarsbygg’s construction project. The island’s unique location presents major logistical challenges, and it is therefore very encouraging to see that the cooperation with Forsvarsbygg is working so well,” said Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway.

Forsvarsbygg will assist with the transport of personnel and equipment to the island, as well as with all excavation works. Forsvarsbygg is already in the process of constructing a new station for the Norwegian Armed Forces on Jan Mayen.

Forsvarsbygg’s contractor, Hæhre Arctic, will support Space Norway with the landing station while they are present on the island.

“We are proud of our project on Jan Mayen. It is important for Norway. We are pleased that we can support and collaborate with Space Norway,” added acting director of Forsvarsbygg, Camilla Mathiesen.

Space Norway noted the challenges in developing in the harsh conditions on the remote island: “Everything that is built there must withstand snowstorms, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. There is no harbor, quay infrastructure or proper roads.”

There are two existing cables to Svalbard, though both are approaching the end of their 25-year lifespan.

Space Norway is a public limited company owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry (NFD). The company manages space infrastructure for the country, providing services to wholesale customers.

Forsvarsbygg is a Norwegian government agency responsible for the real estate belonging to the Military of Norway. It is not part of the military operations, but directly subordinate to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.

Forsvarsbygg is developing a new 5,300 sqm (57,050 sq ft) station on the island that is due for completion in 2027. The new building will replace the existing facility, which dates back to 1960. There is a satellite ground station on the island serving the European Space Agency, KSAT, and the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA).

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China and Norway

Oslo–Shanghai flights boost Norwegian seafood to China

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Suparna Airlines has launched a new direct cargo route between Oslo Airport and Shanghai Pudong, strengthening Norway’s export links with China and significantly increasing capacity for fresh seafood shipments. The weekly service, inaugurated on 24 January 2026, is operated with dedicated freighter aircraft and is currently the only direct connection between Oslo and Shanghai.

The new route improves speed, reliability and quality control for time-sensitive exports such as fresh salmon, reinforcing Norway’s competitiveness in the global seafood market. Avinor highlighted China as a key and rapidly growing destination for Norwegian seafood, where efficient logistics are critical to maintaining freshness and meeting delivery requirements.

The service also underlines Oslo Airport’s role as a major hub for seafood exports, supported by close proximity to production sites and strong cold-chain and handling infrastructure.

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