Tag: NORWAY

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Norwegian envoy ‘touched’ by Indian custom of putting shawl

Stating that she found the custom ‘touching’, Stener said on Thursday this is the striking thing of being posted in India….reports Asian Lite News

Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, shared a gratitude post regarding the Indian custom of greeting someone with a scarf or shawl, and even suggested that Norway could adopt this tradition.

Stating that she found the custom ‘touching’, Stener said on Thursday this is the striking thing of being posted in India.

“A gratitude post. The most striking thing getting posted to India is the warm welcome you receive from everyone! North. South. East. West. I am so touched with the culture of putting a scarf/shawl on someone as a greeting. Good idea to bring to Norway!” the Norwegian envoy stated on X.

“The most striking thing when you get posted to India is the warm welcome you receive from everyone. And each welcome, well, comes filled with art or culture of different parts of India,” the ambassador said in the video.

Earlier, May-Elin Stener participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21.

Praising the practice of yoga, the envoy said she also witnessed the moment when the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 voted to create the International Yoga Day.

Speaking to ANI, Stener said, “I love yoga.”

“I think this practice was very, very good. I learned new things about breathing on Yoga Day. Happy International Yoga Day, everyone. This is the 10th International Yoga Day. I was in the United Nations General Assembly when it was voted over in December 2014. So I’m very happy to be here in India on the 10th International Day of Yoga,” she said.

Recently, the Norwegian Ambassador to India also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9.

She said that Norway looks forward to continuing “strong and robust” bilateral ties between the two nations in various sectors, including blue economy, energy, trade, investments, environment and climate.

In a post on X, May-Elin Stener stated, “Representing Norway at swearing in of new Indian govt led by @narendramodi We look forward to continuing strong & robust bilateral relations in areas including #blueeconomy #energy #trade #investments #environment #climate & more!”

India and Norway established bilateral relations in February 1947. Both countries have been enjoying a cordial and friendly relationship since then. The two countries respect each other for their commonly shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Indian community in Norway numbers around 26,900, out of which 19,135 are Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 7,765 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Most of them are professionals. (ANI)

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Norway Tightens Entry Rules for Russian Citizens

Russian citizens will still be allowed entry if they are visiting close family members residing in Norway…reports Asian Lite News

The Norwegian government has announced further restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into Norway, effective from May 29.

The move is aimed at curbing non-essential travel, particularly for tourism purposes, the Norwegian government said on Thursday in a press statement.

The initial restrictions on visa issuance to Russian citizens were implemented in the spring of 2022. Since then, tourist visas have largely been denied, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, Russian citizens will still be allowed entry if they are visiting close family members residing in Norway.

Additionally, those coming for work or study in Norway or other Schengen countries will not be affected by the new rules.

ALSO READ-Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

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Norway Shuts Doors to Russian Tourists

Flag of Norway.

Since May 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Norwegian government has been tightening visa regulations for Russians seeking entry for non-essential reasons….reports Asian Lite News

Norway will bar entry to Russian tourists starting next week, the government said on Thursday, as Oslo continues to tighten its 198-kilometre Arctic land border with its neighbour.

The Norwegian government began making it difficult for Russians to obtain entry visas for non-essential purposes in May 2022, in the wake of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine.

The border region also became subject to stricter controls to prevent illegal crossings of Russians trying to escape military conscription or those who fear Moscow could impose an exit ban on its citizens.

Starting next Wednesday, Norwegian police will have the power to expel Russians who are in the country on a tourist visa that was issued before May 2022. Such visas allow access to Europe’s passport-free Schengen travel area.

The new measures also apply to Russians in Norway who have a visa issued by other Schengen member countries.

There will be exceptions to the new rules, however, including those visiting close family members living in Norway. Russians working or studying in Norway will not be affected.

“The decision to tighten the entry rules are in line with the Norwegian approach of standing by allies and partners in the reactions against Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl in a government press release.

The only legal crossing point is the Storskog border station. The Norwegian authorities are monitoring border traffic there closely and taking the necessary measures, according to the government.

Finland indefinitely closed its entire border with Russia in April.

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Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

The move has triggered an immediate response from Israel, which recalled its ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo…reports Asian Lite News

Spain, Norway and Ireland have announced that they would recognise an independent Palestinian state, a rebuke to Israel over its war in Gaza and its decades of occupation of Palestinian territories.

On Wednesday morning, the governments of Ireland, Spain, and Norway made coordinated announcements recognising Palestine, aiming to support a two-state solution and promote peace in the Middle East.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the parliament in Madrid, emphasising the principles of peace, justice, and consistency as the driving forces behind Spain’s decision.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez
Jonas Gahr Støre
Simon_Harris

“We must ensure the two-state solution is respected, with mutual guarantees of security,” Sánchez stated, receiving applause from the assembly.

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Simon Harris, echoed this sentiment, asserting Palestine’s legitimate right to statehood.

At a press conference in Dublin, Harris declared, “This is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine, and their peoples.”

He expressed confidence that other countries would follow suit in the coming weeks.

In Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reinforced the necessity of recognition for peace in the region, declaring Norway’s acknowledgment of Palestine as an independent state “with all the rights and obligations that entails.”

Israel recalls envoys

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday ordered the “immediate return” of Israeli ambassadors to Ireland and Norway following the decision announced by the two countries to recognise a Palestinian state.  

“I am sending a clear message today – Israel will not be complacent against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security,” said Katz.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the whole world today: Terrorism pays. After the terrorist organisation Hamas carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after it committed the most horrific sex crimes the world has seen, these countries chose to give a reward to Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state,” he added.

He stated that the “distorted step” taken by both countries is an “injustice” to the memory of the October 7 victims and a “blow” to efforts being made to ensure a safe return of the 128 hostages.

“Israel will not remain silent – there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it,” Kantz warned.

“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home. There are no more just causes than these,” he said.

Over 140 countries and the Holy See have recognised a Palestinian state, but most Western European countries and the US have not, reported The New York Times.

According to them, the recognition should be achieved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and while they support a two-state solution, unilateral measures by third parties will not advance that goal.

Meanwhile, Israel has strongly condemned international attempts to recognise a Palestinian state and emphasised that Israel needs to negotiate directly with Palestinian leaders on a permanent solution.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that establishing a Palestinian state would be an “existential danger” to Israel, The New York Times reported.

Palestine welcomes decision

Palestinian foreign ministry said it “welcomes the decisions taken by the Spain, Norway and Ireland to recognise the State of Palestine.”

“With this significant step, Spain, Norway and Ireland have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the two-state solution and to delivering the long overdue justice to the Palestinian people.

“Further, the recognitions of Spain, Norway and Ireland, are in line with international law and all United Nations relevant resolutions, which will in turn contribute positively to all international efforts towards ending the Israeli Illegal occupation and achieving peace and stability in the region.”

The statement goes on to call for other states to “take this principled decision as soon as possible”.

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Norway Temporarily Withdraws from CFE in Response to Russia

Flag of Norway.

Russia formally withdrew from the CFE at 12 midnight Tuesday, the country’s Foreign Ministry said on its website…reports Asian Lite News

The government of Norway has decided to temporarily suspend its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in response to Russia’s withdrawal from the pact.

Oslo condemned Russia’s decision, which it said “undermined the European security architecture, which has been the cornerstone of stability in Europe since the Cold War”.

The government said on Tuesday that it will continuously assess the duration of the suspension in consultation with its allies and Nordic neighbours, Xinhua news agency reported.

Russia formally withdrew from the CFE at 12 midnight Tuesday, the country’s Foreign Ministry said on its website.

The CFE, originally signed in 1990 by the then NATO members and the then six Warsaw Treaty states, came into force in 1992.

The pact was aimed at establishing a balance between the two military alliances by setting limits on the quantities of weapons and military equipment that all parties were allowed to amass.

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Norway to provide $32 mn for Red Cross work in Ukraine

The funding will be used to help provide services such as health care, shelter, psychosocial support, food, water and meet other essential needs…reports Asian Lite News

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced Tuesday that his country will provide 350 million Norwegian kroner (32.35 million U.S. dollars) to support the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Ukraine.

To be channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the funding will be used to help provide services such as health care, shelter, psychosocial support, food, water and meet other essential needs for the population in Ukraine, the prime minister said at a meeting with Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society Maksym Dotsenko.

“The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is providing invaluable support to Ukraine. The Red Cross staff and volunteers are demonstrating tremendous courage in their efforts to save lives and alleviate suffering every single day,” said Store.

The United Nations estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine need relief and protection, while more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees need protection and assistance in neighboring countries.

Earlier, in August this year, Norway had decided to donate US-made F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine. F-16s have been on Ukraine’s wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability. The fighter jet is equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.

“We are planning to donate Norwegian F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and will provide further details about the donation, numbers and time frame for delivery, in due course,” Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has said in a statement.

Stoere had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv and announced donations of anti-aircraft missiles and other equipment. “The donation of these F-16 jets will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities,” Norway’s Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram had said in the statement.

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Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway

Andrei Medvedev, fled Russia after the Russian guards opened fire on him in his account of his January flight from Russia over the country’s Arctic border with Norway…reports Asian Lite News

Former commander of the Wagner mercenary group, Andrei Medvedev, who sought asylum in Norway earlier this year, has been arrested by Norwegian police over suspicions of attempting to illegally re-enter Russia, CNN reported citing the man’s attorney on Saturday.

Andrei Medvedev, fled Russia after the Russian guards opened fire on him in his account of his January flight from Russia over the country’s Arctic border with Norway.

He has talked about his experience fighting with the Wagner organisation in Ukraine. Police stated in a statement late on Friday that a man in his 20s had been arrested for trying to enter Russia illegally, but they did not give his identity. The identity of the individual who had been arrested was withheld by a Finnmark local police officer, reported CNN.

When he first arrived in Norway, Medvedev said he was looking for refuge because he feared for his life after seeing Russian captives who had been carried to the front lines of the Ukrainian conflict killed and treated badly.

His escape in January garnered international attention as a then-rare instance of defection to a Western nation while claiming to have participated in the Ukraine War as a mercenary for Russia, according to CNN.

Although he acknowledged that doing so may endanger his life, he stated in a YouTube video that he wanted to go back to Russia and described himself as “some kind of a boy in a big game” that he no longer wanted to be a part of. (ANI)

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Norway’s Prime Minister Confirms F-16 Jets and Aid for Ukraine

Norway had first announced its plans to support the training of Ukrainian personnel on F-16 fighter jets in May…reports Asian Lite News

Norway has become the third European nation after Denmark and the Netherlands to pledge to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.

“We are planning to donate Norwegian F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and will provide further details about the donation, numbers and time frame for delivery in due course,” CNN quoted Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store as saying on Thursday.

Norway had first announced its plans to support the training of Ukrainian personnel on F-16 fighter jets in May.

“Norway is supporting Ukraine in its efforts to build a modern air defense system. This is both important and necessary,” the Prime Minister added.

Also on Thursday, Norway said that it will be donating anti-aircraft missiles and de-mining sets to Ukraine, as well as 1.5 billion NOK ($140.5 million) to secure gas and electricity supply in the country. 

This brings the total value of Norway’s support over five years to 75 billion NOK, a statement on the government website said.

Last week, a US State Department spokesman had announced that Washington approved the transfer of American-made F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Kiev as soon as Ukrainian pilots are fully trained to operate them.

Denmark and the Netherlands have taken the lead in preparing a program to train Ukrainian pilots on the American jet, but the US is still working with other countries to see who may provide F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force.

While the Dutch are thought to have about 24 operational F-16s which are scheduled to be taken out of service and replaced by more advanced war planes, Denmark is also planning an upgrade of its fleet of some 30 F-16s.

An 11-member coalition of Ukraine’s allies in the West is due to start training Ukrainian pilots later this month and they are expected to be ready next year.

Ukraine is believed to have dozens of combat aircraft — mostly MiGs — all dating from the Soviet era.

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Norway to shut down Lanka mission, shift ops to India

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Norway and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1952 and the embassy in Colombo was opened in 1996…reports Asian Lite News

Norwegian government has announced that it will shut down its embassy in Sri Lanka on July 31, and from August 1, its New Delhi-based diplomatic mission would be responsible for the country’s bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

“This Facebook page will be closed. We invite you to follow the page of the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi for more updates on our ongoing cooperation with India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives!,” the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo said in a Facebook post.

“Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi will now be the mission responsible for Norway in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives headed by the Norwegian Ambassador to India,” it added.

The decision came months after the announcement by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that five of its overseas missions would be closed down, including the Embassy of Norway in Colombo.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt, in September 2022, announced that the country would make several changes to its missions abroad. Accordingly, Embassies in Bratislava (Slovakia), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Pristina (Kosovo), the embassy office in Antananarivo (Madagascar) and the Consulate General in Houston (USA) would be closed down. 

Norway and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1952 and the embassy in Colombo was opened in 1996.

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Norway to provide $23 mn for nuclear safety in Ukraine

war in Ukraine.(photo:Instagram)

Norway will also increase its funding for nuclear safety and security cooperation with Ukraine by 150 million kroner…reports Asian Lite News

Norway has announced to provide 250 million Norwegian kroner ($23 million) this year to support nuclear safety and security efforts in Ukraine, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

“A nuclear accident in Ukraine would have consequences not only for Ukraine itself, but also beyond the country’s borders,” she said in a press statement on Monday.

Of the allocated funds, 100 million kroner will be used in support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This financial assistance will help ensure the continued presence of IAEA experts in Ukraine, said the statement.

IAEA experts are present at the Chernobyl site, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and Ukraine’s three other operational nuclear power plants, Xinhua news agency reported.

Norway will also increase its funding for nuclear safety and security cooperation with Ukraine by 150 million kroner, the statement added.

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