# Foreign relations of Norway

"none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]]
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

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.

## Elements of policy

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

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.

### International cooperation

Norway supports international cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes, recognizing the need for maintaining a strong national defence through collective security. Accordingly, the cornerstones of Norwegian policy are active membership in NATO and support for the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Norway also pursues a policy of economic, social, and cultural cooperation with other Nordic countries—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—through the Nordic Council. Its relations with Iceland are very close due to the cultural bond the two nations share. Norway ended a 2-year term on the UN Security Council in January 2003, and chaired the Iraq Sanctions Committee.
Norway, along with Iceland and the Faroe Islands, is not a member of the European Union, all three are members of the European Economic Area. Membership of the EU has been proposed within Norway, and referendums over Norwegian membership were held in 1972 and 1994. 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.

### International mediation and nation building

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. 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. Eritrea has been actively supported by Norway during its liberation from Ethiopia. As of recent, Ethiopia expelled six Norwegian diplomats due to Norway's alleged support to 'Terrorist group and Eritrea'. 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.

### International disputes

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

A number of scholars have argued that Norway has through its foreign policy engaged in status-seeking. 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.

## Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Norway maintains diplomatic relations with:
Date :
| 1 | United States | 30 October 1905 |
| 2 | Russia | 31 October 1905 |
| 3 | France | 5 November 1905 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 6 November 1905 |
| 5 | Denmark | 7 November 1905 |
| 6 | Japan | 7 November 1905 |
| 7 | Belgium | 14 November 1905 |
| 8 | Sweden | 18 November 1905 |
| 9 | Spain | 26 November 1905 |
| 10 | Thailand | 30 November 1905 |
| 11 | Netherlands | 4 December 1905 |
| 12 | Switzerland | 22 January 1906 |
| 13 | Portugal | 17 March 1906 |
| 14 | Italy | 22 March 1906 |
| 15 | Argentina | 28 March 1906 |
| 16 | Paraguay | 2 April 1906 |
| 17 | Uruguay | 3 April 1906 |
| 18 | Mexico | 9 April 1906 |
| 19 | Cuba | 20 June 1906 |
| 20 | China | 13 July 1906 |
| 21 | Bulgaria | 20 August 1906 |
| 22 | Brazil | 11 May 1908 |
| 23 | Iran | 14 October 1908 |
| 24 | Serbia | 9 March 1917 |
| 25 | Romania | 14 May 1917 |
| 26 | Finland | 2 March 1918 |
| 27 | Greece | 25 May 1918 |
| 28 | Chile | 9 June 1919 |
| 29 | Poland | 4 July 1919 |
| 30 | Hungary | 12 February 1920 |
| 31 | Austria | 8 October 1920 |
| 32 | Czech Republic | 12 January 1921 |
| 33 | Peru | 3 August 1923 |
| 34 | Venezuela | 4 October 1929 |
| 35 | Turkey | 8 October 1930 |
| 36 | Luxembourg | 15 April 1931 |
| 37 | Colombia | 6 September 1935 |
| 38 | Egypt | 25 April 1936 |
| 39 | Ecuador | 22 October 1936 |
| 40 | Bolivia | 25 February 1937 |
| 41 | El Salvador | 27 April 1939 |
| 42 | Guatemala | 28 April 1939 |
| 43 | Costa Rica | 2 May 1939 |
| 44 | Iceland | 29 August 1940 |
| 45 | Canada | 24 January 1942 |
| 46 | Dominican Republic | 16 October 1943 |
| 47 | Haiti | 28 October 1943 |
| 48 | Ethiopia | 28 April 1945 |
| 49 | South Africa | 16 June 1946 |
| 50 | Iraq | 28 September 1946 |
| 51 | Australia | 23 June 1947 |
| 52 | Honduras | 3 July 1947 |
| 53 | Nicaragua | 5 July 1947 |
| 54 | India | 15 August 1947 |
| 55 | Philippines | 2 March 1948 |
| 56 | Panama | 21 July 1948 |
| 57 | Lebanon | 10 August 1948 |
| 58 | Syria | 11 August 1948 |
| 59 | Pakistan | 18 December 1948 |
| 60 | Indonesia | 25 January 1950 |
| 61 | Ireland | 17 February 1950 |
| 62 | Israel | 19 July 1950 |
| 63 | Sri Lanka | 13 October 1950 |
| 64 | Germany | 10 May 1951 |
| 65 | Myanmar | 18 May 1956 |
| 66 | Sudan | 31 May 1956 |
| 67 | Tunisia | 29 August 1958 |
| 68 | Morocco | 30 August 1958 |
| 69 | South Korea | 22 March 1959 |
| 70 | Nigeria | 1 October 1960 |
| 71 | Madagascar | 27 October 1960 |
| 72 | Senegal | 2 December 1960 |
| 73 | Yemen | 23 March 1961 |
| 74 | Saudi Arabia | 8 May 1961 |
| 75 | Guinea | 21 July 1961 |
| 76 | Ivory Coast | 27 September 1962 |
| 77 | Algeria | 27 October 1962 |
| 78 | Cyprus | 22 March 1963 |
| 79 | Afghanistan | 3 January 1964 |
| 80 | Niger | 24 January 1964 |
| 81 | Kenya | 22 February 1964 |
| 82 | Uganda | 21 July 1964 |
| 83 | Benin | 25 September 1964 |
| 84 | Tanzania | 28 September 1964 |
| 85 | Zambia | 2 February 1965 |
| 86 | Liberia | 17 February 1965 |
| 87 | Malawi | 9 March 1965 |
| 88 | Ghana | 19 May 1965 |
| 89 | Cameroon | 15 June 1965 |
| 90 | Gabon | 28 September 1965 |
| 91 | Kuwait | 30 June 1965 |
| 92 | Libya | 20 July 1966 |
| 93 | Burundi | 1966 |
| 94 | Republic of the Congo | 23 May 1967 |
| 95 | Botswana | 30 November 1967 |
| 96 | Malaysia | 8 March 1968 |
| 97 | Mongolia | 11 May 1968 |
| 98 | Jordan | 7 January 1969 |
| 99 | Malta | 11 February 1969 |
| 100 | Singapore | 7 March 1969 |
| 101 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 27 September 1969 |
| 102 | New Zealand | 10 October 1969 |
| 103 | Central African Republic | 16 May 1970 |
| 104 | Sierra Leone | 20 July 1970 |
| 105 | Rwanda | 30 January 1971 |
| 106 | Somalia | 30 March 1971 |
| 107 | Albania | 29 May 1971 |
| 108 | Trinidad and Tobago | 19 November 1971 |
| 109 | Vietnam | 25 November 1971 |
| 110 | Togo | 10 January 1972 |
| 111 | Bangladesh | 14 April 1972 |
| 112 | Nepal | 26 January 1973 |
| 113 | Mauritius | 30 January 1973 |
| 114 | Qatar | 9 June 1973 |
| 115 | North Korea | 22 June 1973 |
| 116 | United Arab Emirates | 4 July 1973 |
| 117 | Bahrain | 15 July 1973 |
| 118 | Barbados | 24 January 1975 |
| 119 | Guinea-Bissau | 7 April 1975 |
| 120 | Mozambique | 25 June 1975 |
| 121 | Lesotho | 8 May 1976 |
| 122 | Papua New Guinea | 19 August 1976 |
| 123 | Cambodia | 18 November 1976 |
| 124 | Fiji | 18 January 1977 |
| 125 | Suriname | 8 February 1977 |
| 126 | Cape Verde | 9 May 1977 |
| 127 | Mali | 17 June 1977 |
| 128 | Jamaica | 7 October 1977 |
| 129 | Angola | 31 October 1977 |
| 130 | Guyana | 2 August 1979 |
| 131 | Burkina Faso | 21 September 1979 |
| 132 | Oman | 15 April 1980 |
| 133 | Zimbabwe | 18 April 1980 |
| 134 | Solomon Islands | 18 September 1980 |
| — | Holy See | 2 August 1982 |
| 135 | Gambia | 8 February 1983 |
| 136 | Mauritania | 6 December 1983 |
| 137 | Maldives | 26 March 1984 |
| 138 | Belize | 12 July 1984 |
| 139 | Brunei | 12 October 1984 |
| 140 | Eswatini | 11 December 1984 |
| 141 | Seychelles | 1 February 1985 |
| 142 | Antigua and Barbuda | 14 October 1985 |
| 143 | Bhutan | 5 November 1985 |
| 144 | Tonga | 30 August 1988 |
| 145 | Saint Lucia | 1990 |
| 146 | Namibia | 21 March 1990 |
| — | Cook Islands | 18 July 1991 |
| 147 | Estonia | 27 August 1991 |
| 148 | Latvia | 27 August 1991 |
| 149 | Lithuania | 27 August 1991 |
| 150 | Bahamas | 11 November 1991 |
| 151 | Laos | 12 November 1991 |
| 152 | Liechtenstein | 9 January 1992 |
| 153 | Belarus | 4 February 1992 |
| 154 | Ukraine | 5 February 1992 |
| 155 | Slovenia | 18 February 1992 |
| 156 | Croatia | 20 February 1992 |
| 157 | Moldova | 3 June 1992 |
| 158 | Armenia | 5 June 1992 |
| 159 | Azerbaijan | 5 June 1992 |
| 160 | Georgia | 5 June 1992 |
| 161 | Kazakhstan | 5 June 1992 |
| 162 | Turkmenistan | 8 June 1992 |
| 163 | Tajikistan | 10 June 1992 |
| 164 | Uzbekistan | 10 June 1992 |
| 165 | Kyrgyzstan | 26 June 1992 |
| 166 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 15 October 1992 |
| 167 | Marshall Islands | 16 October 1992 |
| 168 | Slovakia | 1 January 1993 |
| 169 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 19 February 1993 |
| 170 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 12 December 1993 |
| 171 | North Macedonia | 20 December 1993 |
| 172 | Eritrea | 14 March 1994 |
| 173 | Djibouti | 20 January 1995 |
| 174 | Andorra | 15 November 1995 |
| 175 | Chad | 13 November 1995 |
| 176 | San Marino | 11 December 1996 |
| 177 | Samoa | 1999 |
| 178 | Grenada | 26 April 2000 |
| 179 | Nauru | 9 August 2000 |
| 180 | Dominica | 26 March 2001 |
| 181 | Timor-Leste | 20 May 2002 |
| 182 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 6 August 2004 |
| 183 | Montenegro | 21 June 2006 |
| 184 | Equatorial Guinea | 30 March 2007 |
| — | Kosovo | 25 October 2008 |
| 185 | Tuvalu | 8 May 2010 |
| 186 | Monaco | 16 November 2010 |
| 187 | South Sudan | 9 July 2011 |
| 188 | Palau | 31 May 2017 |
| 189 | Federated States of Micronesia | 12 April 2018 |
| 190 | Vanuatu | 28 May 2018 |
| 191 | Comoros | 28 June 2019 |
| 192 | Kiribati | 17 August 2019 |
| — | State of Palestine | 28 May 2024 |

## Multilateral

| Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| European Union | | See Norway–European Union relations |
| NATO | | See Norway–NATO relations |

## Africa

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Kenya | | See Kenya–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Sudan | | See Norway–Sudan relations Norway has an embassy in Khartoum. Sudan has an embassy in Oslo. |

## Americas

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Belize | | Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010. |
| Brazil | | See Brazil–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Brasília and consulate-general in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Canada | | See Canada–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Ottawa and four consulates-general in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Canada has an embassy in Oslo. Both nations are full members of the Arctic Council, of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, of NATO and of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade about relations with Norway See also: Norwegian Canadians |
| Chile | | See Chile–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Santiago. Chile has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Mexico | 1906 | See Mexico–Norway relations Mexico has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Mexico City. |
| United States | 1905 | See Norway–United States relations Norway has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and four consulates-general in Houston, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco. United States has an embassy in Oslo. See also: Norwegian Americans |

## Asia

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Afghanistan | | See Afghanistan–Norway relations |
| Armenia | | Armenia is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Norway is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia and maintains an honorary consulate in Yerevan. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. |
| China | October 5, 1954 | See China–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Beijing and three consulates-general in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai. China has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Georgia | | Georgia has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Tbilisi. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. |
| India | 1947 | See India–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in New Delhi and three consulate-generals in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. India has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Indonesia | | See Indonesia–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Iran | | Iran has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Tehran. |
| Israel | | See Israel–Norway relations Norway was one of the first countries to recognize Israel on February 4, 1949. Both countries established diplomatic relation later that year. Norway has an embassy in Tel Aviv. Israel has an embassy in Oslo. See also: History of the Jews in Norway |
| Malaysia | 1957 | See Malaysia–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has an embassy in Stockholm whose consular area also covers Norway. |
| Mongolia | January 11, 1968 | See Mongolia–Norway relations Mongolia is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Norway is accredited to Mongolia from its embassy in Beijing, China. |
| Nepal | January 26, 1973 | See Nepal–Norway relations Diplomatic relations were established on January 26, 1973. Norway established an embassy in Kathmandu in 2000. In 2008, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim visited Nepal. In 2009, Prime Minister Prachanda visited Norway. In May 2008, a small bomb exploded outside the Norwegian embassy in Kathmandu. No one was injured. Norway has an embassy in Kathmandu. Nepal has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Pakistan | 1947 | See Norway-Pakistan relations |
| Palestine | | A Palestinian representation in Oslo has had status of "general delegation". In December 2010 during a visit to Norway Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced that this mission would be upgraded to a diplomatic mission. This will take effect early in 2011. With the rank of ambassador its head will have the title "head of the Palestinian mission". Norway thus becomes the fourth European country to take similar steps, following Spain, France and Portugal. The upgrade does not constitute recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, however. |
| Philippines | March 2, 1948 | See Norway–Philippines relations Relations between the Philippines and Norway were established on March 2, 1948, the Philippines has an embassy in Oslo while Norway has an embassy in Manila. Norway is also involved in the peace process in the Philippines related to Moro and Communist insurgencies and is also a member country of the International Monitoring Team for the GPH-MILF Peace Process. Norway is also the third country facilitator for the GPH-CPP–NPA–NDF Peace Process. Trade between the Philippines and Norway amounted up to $73 million. Norway has an embassy in Manila. Philippines has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Saudi Arabia | | See Norway–Saudi Arabia relations Norway has an embassy in Riyadh and consulate-general in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Oslo. |
| South Korea | March 2, 1959 | See Norway-South Korea relations The establishment of diplomatic relations between Kongeriket Noreg and the Republic of Korea began on March 2, 1959. Relations are very so good to be getting better in every cooperation since 1959. Royal Norwegian embassy in Seoul. and an Honorary Consulate in Busan. South Korean embassy in Oslo. Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about bilateral relations with South Korea South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs about bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Norway (in Korean) |
| Syria | | 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. |
| Turkey | | See Norway–Turkey relations Norway has an embassy in Ankara and consulate-general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |

## Europe

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Austria | | Austria has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Vienna. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. |
| Croatia | 1992 | See Croatia–Norway relations Croatia has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Zagreb. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Cyprus | | See Cyprus–Norway relations Diplomatic relations were established on March 22, 1963. The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields". 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. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. 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. Norway provides direct funding to the Cypriot Government and also to local authorities, NGOs and educational institutions through EEA and Norway Grants. 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. In 2006, Norway increased its commitment to offer a total contribution of 4.66 million euros. 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." 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. The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus. Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway. 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. Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus. Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime. The Norwegian colony on Cyprus is in Paphos. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Norway Cyprus is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Norway is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece. |
| Denmark | | See Denmark–Norway relations Both countries have a very long history together, both countries were part of the Kalmar Union between 1397 and 1523. Norway was in Union with Denmark between 1537 and 1814. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1905, after Norway's independence. Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, of NATO, and of the Council of Europe. There are around 15,000 Norwegian people living in Denmark and around 20,000 Danish people living in Norway. Denmark has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Copenhagen. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Estonia | | Estonia has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Tallinn. Both countries are full members of NATO and of the Council of Europe. |
| European Union | | See Norway–European Union relations Norway is part of the EU market via the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area. |
| Finland | | See Finland–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Helsinki. Finland has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| France | 1905 | See France–Norway relations Norway has an embassy in Paris. France has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Germany | | See Germany–Norway relations Germany has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Berlin, a consulate-general in Hamburg and a consulate in Düsseldorf. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Greece | | See Greece–Norway relations Greece has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in Athens. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Hungary | 1920 | Hungary has an embassy in Oslo and 2 honorary consulates (in Stavanger and Sarpsborg). Norway has an embassy in Budapest. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Iceland | | See Iceland–Norway relations In 2007, the two countries signed a defense agreement, covering surveillance and military defense of Icelandic air space and economic zone. It means that Norwegian jet fighters and surveillance aircraft will be patrolling Icelandic air space. It is underlined that the agreement with Norway only covers peacetime. In case of a military conflict it is still NATO and the United States Government that will carry the main responsibility for Iceland's defense. The agreement was signed following the decision to pullout US military from the Keflavík naval air base. Norway has an embassy in Reykjavík. Iceland has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Ireland | | Norway has an embassy in Dublin. Ireland has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. |
| Kosovo | | See Kosovo–Norway relations Norway recognized Kosovo on March 28, 2008. Norway has an embassy in Pristina, while Kosovo has hinted that it will include Norway in the second wave of embassy openings. |
| Monaco | | Norway is accredited to Monaco from its embassy in Paris, France and maintains an honorary consulate in Monaco. Monaco maintains an honorary consulate in Oslo. |
| Netherlands | | the Netherlands has an embassy in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in The Hague. Both countries are full members of NATO and of the Council of Europe. |
| Poland | | See Norway–Poland relations Norway has an embassy in Warsaw. Poland has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of NATO and of the Council of Europe. |
| Romania | April 3, 1917 | See Norway–Romania relations Both nations were established formal relations on April 3, 1917. Norway has an embassy in Bucharest. Romania has an embassy in Oslo. Both nations are full members of NATO and of the Council of Europe. |
| Russia | October 30, 1905 | See Norway–Russia relations Both nations were established formal relations on October 30, 1905. Norway has an embassy in Moscow, a consulate-general in St. Petersburg and a consulate in Murmansk. Russia has an embassy in Oslo and two consulates-general in Barentsburg and Kirkenes. See also: Kola Norwegians |
| Serbia | | See Norway–Serbia relations Norway has an embassy in Belgrade. Serbia has an embassy in Oslo. Both nations are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Norway supported the 1999 NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and later participated in the Kosovo Force. |
| Spain | | See Norway–Spain relations Norway has an embassy in Madrid, a consulate-general in Barcelona and a consulate in Alicante. Spain has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Sweden | 1905 | See Norway-Sweden relations Both nations established diplomatic relations in 1905, after the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905. Norway has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO. |
| Switzerland | | See Norway-Switzerland relations Norway has an embassy in Bern and two consulates-general in Geneva and Zürich. Switzerland has an embassy in Oslo. |
| Ukraine | 1992 | See Norway–Ukraine relations The two countries established formal relations in 1992 Norway recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991 Norway has an embassy in Kyiv. Ukraine has an embassy in Oslo. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. |
| United Kingdom | 1905 | See Norway–United Kingdom relations Norway established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 6 November 1905. Norway maintains an embassy in London, and an honoury consulate general in Edinburgh. The United Kingdom is accredited to Norway through its embassy in Oslo. Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic co-operation pact, 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, a Green Partnership, and a Strategic Partnership. |

## Oceania

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Australia | 1905 | See Australia–Norway relations The bilateral countries between Australia and Norway were established diplomatic relations in 1905, following the Norway's independence since 1814. Australia has an honorably consulate in Oslo, and is represented in Norway through its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. Norway has an embassy in Canberra. See also: Norwegian Australians |
| New Zealand | 1905 | See New Zealand–Norway relations Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1905, after Norway's independence. There are approximately 1,400 Norwegians living in New Zealand and 409 New Zealanders living in Norway. 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. 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. 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. New Zealand is accredited to Norway from its embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. Norway is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia. See also: Norwegian New Zealanders |