Tag: NORWAY

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New Delhi appoints envoys for Botswana, Bahrain and Norway

Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President…reports Asian Lite News

India appointed three new envoys for three different countries, the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Norway.

Bharath Kumar Kuthati, a 2006 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana. Another one is Vinod K Jacob, a 2000 batch IFS officer, presently Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Colombo has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Meanwhile, Acquino Vimal, who is also from the 2000 batch, an IFS officer, is presently Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Beijing. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway.

All three are expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco on Thursday presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Qatar and Monaco at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.

Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President.

Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris as the new US Ambassador to India in March this year. Earlier, the Senate confirmed his appointment as the next US ambassador to India.

On Garcetti’s arrival in India, Indian Embassy in the US tweeted, “Namaste, Ambassador-Designate Eric Garcetti! We’re thrilled to welcome you to #IncredibleIndia and work with you to build even stronger ties between our two great nations.”

The US Embassy in India had been without an ambassador since January 2021, which is the longest stretch in the history of US-India relations that the post remained vacant.

Kenneth Juster had stepped down after the change of government in the United States. (ANI)

ALSO READ-UK opens military base in northern Norway

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Moscow declares 10 Norwegian diplomats personae non gratae

Photo taken on June 3, 2019 shows the Kremlin Palace (L) and the Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, capital of Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi/IANS)

Norwegian Ambassador Robert Kvile was summoned to the Ministry in protest over Oslo’s decision to expel 15 Russian diplomats from the Russian Embassy…reports Asian Lite News

Russia has declared 10 diplomats working at the Norwegian embassy and military attache’s office in Moscow personae non gratae, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Norwegian Ambassador Robert Kvile was summoned to the Ministry in protest over Oslo’s decision to expel 15 Russian diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Norway and military attache’s office, the Ministry added on Wednesday.

“This hostile step further aggravated the situation in our bilateral relations, which are currently at a critically low level,” it said.

The Ministry added that it would take other measures in response to Oslo’s hostile actions, including potential restrictions on hiring Russian staff at Norwegian diplomatic missions.

Norway expelled 15 Russian diplomats on April 13. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said the embassy staff were expelled for “engaging in activities that were not compatible with their diplomatic status”.

As per the spokesperson, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs views Moscow’s decision to expel ten Norwegian embassy workers as a response to Norway’s recent move to expel 15 Russian embassy employees on allegations of espionage.

On Wednesday, Russia summoned the Norwegian ambassador and conveyed a ‘strong protest’ regarding Norway’s decision, as per a statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry.

The Russian foreign ministry stated that the expulsion of Norwegian diplomats is a ‘hostile step’ that has worsened the already strained bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to Simenstad from Norway’s ministry, the Russian decision is regarded as a retaliatory action, as all Norwegian diplomats in Russia engage in regular diplomatic activities, which the Russian authorities are aware of.

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UK opens military base in northern Norway

The base, about 65km south of Tromso, will be able to accommodate all personnel from the elite, commando-led Royal Marines force, which reacts to emerging crises in Europe…reports Asian Lite News

A UK military base has opened in the far north of Norway to strengthen Nato’s capabilities in the Arctic after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Named Camp Viking, the newly established Norwegian site will serve as a centre for Royal Marines Commandos, Britain’s Royal Navy said.

The Navy said the troops were “the tip of the Arctic spear” and “the unit the UK turns to when it needs troops able to fight in cold weather extremes”.

“A new Arctic operations base will support Britain’s commandos for the next 10 years as the UK underscores its commitment to security in the high north,” it said.

Norway, which borders Russia, refuses to host permanent bases for foreign soldiers, hence the time limit for Camp Viking.

The base, about 65km south of Tromso, will be able to accommodate all personnel from the elite, commando-led Royal Marines force, which reacts to emerging crises in Europe.

“The camp’s location is ideal for deterring threats in the region and situated so the UK can respond rapidly if needed to protect Nato’s northern flank and its close ally, Norway,” the Navy said.

About 1,000 commandos have been sent to the base this winter.

Norway’s Defence Ministry said the base had previously been used by Nato allies and then Dutch Marines. “The camp is Norwegian and financed through Norwegian infrastructure and operational funds,” a ministry spokeswoman said. A founding member of Nato, Norway regularly hosts allied troops for combat training in extreme cold.

The country, which shares a 198km border with Russia, has provided Ukraine with a wide range of military equipment, including artillery and ammunition.

The Ukraine conflict prompted its eastern neighbours Finland and Sweden to apply for Nato membership in May 2022, ending decades-long policies of military non-alignment.

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Norway to assist Ukraine with gas procurement

In Ukraine, the state-owned company Naftogaz will be the formal recipient…reports Asian Lite News

Under an agreement signed, Norway will provide 2 billion Norwegian kroner ($195.4 million) to fund Ukraine to purchase natural gas this winter, the Norwegian government said in a press release.

Norway’s Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and Juergen Rigterink, first vice president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), signed the agreement on Monday to channel the funds through the bank and then to Ukraine.

According to the press release, the funds are expected to be used to make direct payments to European gas suppliers that have received prior approval and will invoice for the volume of gas delivered.

In Ukraine, the state-owned company Naftogaz will be the formal recipient.

“Ukraine has specifically asked Norway for support for the procurement of natural gas this winter. The timing is critical, and we are very pleased that the EBRD is to be our partner in carrying out gas purchases,” Vedum was quoted in the press release as saying.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in July that his government would allocate 10 billion Norwegian kroner (NOK) to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023. Of this sum, two billion NOK have been earmarked for gas procurement.

ALSO READ-‘Norway’s skills, India’s scope provide natural complementarities’

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‘Norway’s skills, India’s scope provide natural complementarities’

PM Modi will then head to Paris for a meeting with Emmanuel Macron, France’s newly re-elected President…reports Asian Lite News

Norway’s skills and India’s scope provide natural complementarities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he met Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store.

The meeting, which was held in Copenhagen on the sidelines of the 2nd India-Nordic Summit, was the first between the two leaders since the assumption of office by Prime Minister Store in October 2021.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Prime Ministers reviewed the ongoing activities in bilateral relations and discussed future areas of cooperation. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Norway’s skills and India’s scope provided natural complementarities.

Both leaders discussed the potential for deepening engagement in areas like Blue Economy, renewable energy, green hydrogen, solar and wind projects, green shipping, fisheries, water management, rainwater harvesting, space cooperation, long term Infrastructure investment, health and culture, the MEA said.

Discussions also took place on regional and global developments. As members of UNSC, India and Norway have been engaging with each other in the UN on global issues of mutual interest, the MEA added.

The Prime Ministers of India, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway will attend the second India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen, which will follow up on the first summit held in Stockholm, Sweden in 2018.

PM Modi will then head to Paris for a meeting with Emmanuel Macron, France’s newly re-elected President.

Prime Minister Modi has attended bilateral meetings with the leaders of Germany and Denmark, as well as addressed Indian diaspora gatherings in both Berlin and Copenhagen, during his current visit.

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Muttaqi-led Taliban delegation meets with Afghan civil society in Oslo

The visit is the first of the Taliban delegation to Europe after it took power in Kabul last year and the meeting will be held from January 23 to 25…reports Asian Lite News

An Afghanistan delegation, led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, has reportedly met with the Afghan civil society members on Sunday in Oslo, Norway.

The delegation will first meet with the US envoys and the talks would focus on the release of the frozen assets, the removal of its members’ names from the blacklist, and the extension of relations between Kabul and Washington, according to Tolo News.

Earlier, Afghanistan delegates landed in Norway’s capital Oslo on Saturday night.

“In the first meeting, with the Americans, the release of the Afghan assets, the removal of the blacklist, and also the resumption and extension of bilateral ties will be discussed,” said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesman of the Taliban.

The visit is the first of the Taliban delegation to Europe after it took power in Kabul last year and the meeting will be held from January 23 to 25, according to a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Earlier, Afghan missions abroad which are run by diplomats of the former government in a joint statement praised Norway for convening the talks on Afghanistan but called for further pressure by the international community for the formation of an inclusive government as well as to ensure human rights in the country.

“The force which came to power after the changes is not inclusive and it doesn’t reflect the wishes and intentions of the people,” said Zarifa Yaqobi, a member of the Mawj and Tahwal movement.

However, the official invitation of the Taliban’s delegation to Norway faced diverse reactions.

A movement named “Afghanistan Women’s Government in Exile” in a statement accused the Islamic Emirate of violating human rights and criticized the Norwegian government for inviting the Kabul delegation.

Some Afghans living in Europe staged protests in Oslo over the talks as well in front of the Norwegian embassy in London, according to Tolo News. (ANI)

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-Top News Afghanistan India News

Taliban’s visit triggers protests in Oslo

The delegation arrived in Oslo on Saturday on an invitation by the Norwegian government…reports Asian Lite News

A number of Afghans based in Norway protested against the visit of a high-ranking Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Oslo, saying that they (Taliban) do not represent us.

The demonstration was staged on Saturday to oppose the visit of the Taliban delegation and their meetings with Norwegian authorities and members of the International community, Khaama Press reported.

The Afghan protesters said that the Taliban are on the blacklist for “terrorists” of the US and that they should not be negotiated within Norway.

The delegation arrived in Oslo on Saturday on an invitation by the Norwegian government.

They are scheduled to discuss important issues with Norwegian officials, envoys from the US and the European Union (EU), as well as some influential Afghan figures, Taliban deputy spokesman Inamullah Samangani had said on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry in Oslo also confirmed that a high-level summit on Afghanistan with a focus on girl’s access to education and human rights, will be attended by the Taliban delegation.

But the Ministry reiterated that “these meetings do not represent a legitimisation or recognition of the Taliban”.

This is the second foreign trip in January by a Taliban delegation.

Earlier this month, a delegation led by Muttaqi visited Iran, where he held talks with Ismail Khan, the former Governor of Herat province, and Ahmad Masoud, leader of Resistance Front.

However the Resistance Front said that the negotiations didn’t reach a positive result.

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Taliban delegation due in Norway for human rights talks

The delegation met in Storai Palace - Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday to discuss details of agenda and other relevant matters.

The delegation will be led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, reports Asian Lite News

A high-ranking delegation of the Taliban-led Afghan government will embark on a trip to Norway on Saturday where they will discuss important issues with Norwegian officials, envoys from the US and the European Union (EU), as well as some influential Afghan figures, a spokesman said here.

Confirming the trip, Taliban deputy spokesman Inamullah Samangani said on Friday that the visit comes on an invitation by the Norwegian government, TOLO News reported.

The delegation will be led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The Foreign Ministry in Oslo also confirmed that a high-level summit on Afghanistan with a focus on girl’s access to education and human rights, will be attended by the Taliban delegation.

“These meetings do not represent a legitimisation or recognition of the Taliban. But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country. We cannot allow the political situation to lead to an even worse humanitarian disaster,” TOLO News quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt as saying in the statement.

“We are extremely concerned about the grave situation in Afghanistan, where millions of people are facing a full-blown humanitarian disaster. In order to be able to help the civilian population in Afghanistan, it is essential that both the International Community and Afghan from various parts of society engage in dialogue with the Taliban.”

This is the second foreign trip in January by a Taliban delegation.

Earlier this month, a delegation led by Muttaqi visited Iran, where he held talks with Ismail Khan, the former Governor of Herat province, and Ahmad Masoud, leader of Resistance Front.

However the Resistance Front said that the negotiations didn’t reach a positive result.

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-Top News Europe

Norway spells out priorities for UNSC meet

Norway has decided to elevate the quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East to a ministerial-level this month. The January 19 debate will be chaired by the Norwegian foreign minister…reports Asian Lite News

Norway, which serves as president of the Security Council for the month of January, will prioritise the issue of women, peace and security in the council’s work, said the Norwegian UN ambassador.

“Norway is committed to making women, peace and security a top priority during our presidency. We will prioritise the participation of women peacebuilders and human rights defenders,” said Mona Juul, Norway’s permanent representative to the UN on Tuesday.

Women are often among the hardest affected by conflict, yet remain marginalised when it comes to political processes and peacemaking, she told a press briefing on January’s programme of the Security Council’s work, Xinhua news agency reported.

Norway plans to hold a “signature event” on January 18 on addressing violence targeting women in peace and security processes, she said.

“In the council, we always speak about full, equal and meaningful participation of women. That’s why we are extremely concerned about threat, intimidation and reprisals against women who engaged in peace processes, including those who briefed the council. Therefore, our first council signature event will be looking at (how) to identify concrete ways — on how we can address and prevent threat and reprisals against women.”

The January 18 event, in the form of an open debate, will be chaired by the Norwegian foreign minister, she said.

Norway also aims to have civil society briefers in all open meetings of the Security Council in January, said Juul. “The contribution of civil society to the council creates an important bridge between what is being discussed in the council and the impact felt on the ground.”

A second “signature event” on January 25 is in the area of protection of civilians, and will concentrate on the threats to civilians in urban warfare, she said.

Today’s wars are not fought in the field, but in cities, with a huge impact on civilians, in particular, on children. The open debate will be chaired by the Norwegian Prime Minister and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross has been invited to brief. The aim of the meeting will be to discuss how civilians in the conflict in urban areas can be better protected and have their rights respected, said Juul.

Norway has decided to elevate the quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East to a ministerial-level this month. The January 19 debate will be chaired by the Norwegian foreign minister.

“In our view, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict deserves more attention… We think it’s critical to enhance the council’s focus and the need to find a political solution to this protracted conflict, and to make sure that we avoid further actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution,” she said.

Apart from the meetings, Norway has also planned a Security Council retreat in the middle of the month known as the “mini-Oslo Forum,” she said.

“We would like to invite all members of the council to an informal, closed discussion on how we can do better when it comes to preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution,” said Juul, noting that her country has a long tradition of engaging in peace and reconciliation efforts around the world.

Among the topics to be discussed will be Afghanistan and Colombia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also be invited to the retreat, she said.

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