Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs visits Myanmar

The Government decided Friday that Myanmar should no longer be excluded from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). “This is a signal that Norway recognises the political reforms in Myanmar and hopes to see further democratic developments,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The easing of trade restrictions was announced to the authorities in Myanmar during Mr Støre’s visit this week...

On 14 December, it is exactly 100 years since the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team reached the South Pole. From 12 to 15 December, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg is visiting the South Pole to mark this centenary, and to underline the importance of the Antarctic continent in relation to global climate change.

The Norwegian national football team will in January 2012 participate in King’s Cup for the very first time. The four country tournament will take place between Sunday 15 and Saturday 21 January, and all the matches will be played at Ratchmangla (Rajamangla) National Stadium. Denmark and South Korea (its Olympic team) will be the other two nationalities represented besides Thailand and Norway.

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman are each in their own right worthy winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Government welcomes the award of this year’s prize to these three women. It is recognition of women’s non-violent efforts to promote peace and democracy,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

As of 14 October 2011, Cambodia is part of the Norwegian GSP-system (General System of Preferences). Being a Least Developed Country (LDC), Cambodia now has the benefit of duty and quota free market access for all goods exported to Norway.

The 12th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held between the 3rd and the 14th of October 2011.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg commented, “This is an important recognition of the role they have played in ensuring women’s safety and right to participate in peace-building work. Women’s participation is crucial in promoting peace and preventing conflict.”

For one week in September 2011, The Nation journalist Pongphon Sarnsamak conducted a press visit to Norway arranged by the Embassy. The overall topic for the visit was Norway’s approach to climate and energy questions, waste management and public participation in environmental decision making processes.