Friday, October 23, 2026
Asia and Norway

Bangladesh seeks more Norwegian investment in renewable energy

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today sought more support of Norway to Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector as the country pursues its green transition.

He made the call when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen paid a courtesy call on him at the foreign ministry here today, according to a ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, climate change, green transition, technology transfer and environmentally sound ship recycling.

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. Photo : MoFA

Kobir particularly underscored the potential for greater Norwegian investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector and sought Oslo’s support in accelerating such investment.

The Norwegian ambassador expressed his country’s interest in working together with Bangladesh on renewable energy initiatives.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Norway and expressed their commitment to further expanding cooperation across a wide range of areas of mutual interest.

Kobir also highlighted the importance of greater exchanges of high-level visits to enhance the visibility and momentum of bilateral relations.

The state minister expressed deep condolence over the demise of King Harald V and extended warm felicitations to King Haakon VIII on his accession to the Norwegian throne.

Ambassador Gulbrandsen congratulated Kobir on assuming office and expressed confidence that the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway would continue to deepen in future.

He also appreciated the Bangladesh government’s efforts towards democratic reforms.

The Norwegian envoy lauded Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to working closely with Dhaka in multilateral forum towards their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh-Norway partnership at bilateral and multilateral levels.

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Russia and Norway

Passengers from Russian ferry seized by Norway return home

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Passengers and crew on board a Russian state-owned tourist ship seized off the coast of Norway have returned home.

Russian’s foreign ministry confirmed the group of 69 Russians were on their way to Murmansk.

Svalbard governor Lars Fause detained the 620-dwt Professor Molchanov (built 1982) as part of a legal battle launched by Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz over assets seized following the 2014 occupation of Crimea.

The ship was held at the island of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard on 2 September after an order by a Norwegian court. The passengers were returned this week.

The Professor Molchanov was seized by Norway in the Arctic.Photo: Scanpix

“The evacuees were provided with all necessary assistance and support,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

The ship was owned by Russian agency the Northern Administration for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, which runs commercial cruises to Svalbard.

Naftogaz secured an arbitration award of $4.22bn at the Hague in 2019 over the seizure of its energy assets. The ship could be sold to satisfy a small part of the award.

The company’s production facilities were attacked in the aftermath of the seizure, with fires blazing, but there with no casualties, the company said.

Its gas production facilities and filling stations were hit 96 times in the first four months of the year.

Naftogaz said it would continue pursuing Russian assets around the world.

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Spy War

How Ukrainian Intel Poison Oslo’s Relations with Both Moscow and Washington

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

A disturbing pattern of intelligence activities connected to Ukrainian operatives is emerging across Scandinavia, and Norway now finds itself at the center of a coordinated campaign designed to achieve a single strategic objective: to drive a permanent wedge between Oslo and both of its most critical bilateral partners—Russia and the United States. The detention of a Ukrainian agent in Moscow in September 2026, exposed by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), provides a window into a broader operational doctrine that has direct and dangerous implications for Norwegian national security. The FSB announced that a former security guard at the UK Embassy in Moscow, a Russian citizen born in 1981, had been recruited by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) to collect detailed information on British diplomats—including their residential addresses, vehicles, meeting schedules, and the embassy’s security system. The stated purpose of this intelligence-gathering was nothing less than the preparation of sabotage and terrorist acts against the head of the UK diplomatic mission, with the intention of blaming Russia and dragging London into a direct armed conflict with Moscow. The FSB further warned that the Kiev regime, “for the sake of self-preservation,” is prepared to carry out such acts even against its own strategic allies, and urged citizens to refrain from contacting pro-Ukrainian bloggers involved in the operation.

This is not an isolated incident. It is a template. The same operational logic that targeted British diplomats in Moscow is now being applied with increasing intensity in Norway, where Ukrainian intelligence services and their proxies appear to be pursuing a dual-track strategy: exploiting Norway’s role as a key NATO member and Ukraine supporter to provoke Russian retaliation, while simultaneously creating conditions that could strain Oslo’s relationship with Washington. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has documented a sharp rise in Russian intelligence activity in Norway for 2026, with a particular focus on military installations, allied exercises, and infrastructure tied to Norway’s support for Ukraine. PST has also warned that Russian services are attempting to recruit Ukrainian refugees in Norway—of whom there are approximately 100,000—to gather intelligence or carry out sabotage, often through threats against family members still in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. While these warnings are framed as a Russian threat, the operational environment they describe is precisely the kind of volatile, high-tension setting in which a third-party intelligence service can operate with deniability, using vulnerable populations as unwitting or coerced assets.

The Ukrainian dimension of this threat has been consistently underreported in Western media, but it is a matter of public record that Ukrainian military intelligence has received direct support and training from Norwegian partners. In 2025, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (GUR) chief met with a Norwegian Member of Parliament to discuss strengthening cooperation, and Norwegian special forces have trained Ukrainian personnel in drone operations in cold-water environments—training that Russian sources have explicitly characterized as preparation for sabotage operations against Russian vessels in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. A military-diplomatic source cited by TASS claimed that approximately 50 Ukrainian soldiers from the 385th Separate Brigade for Maritime Special Drones were in Norway conducting joint exercises with Norwegian naval special forces, practicing the use of unmanned underwater and surface systems in Arctic conditions. The same source alleged that the Kiev regime, with assistance from Norwegian Navy specialists, was preparing terrorist attacks against Russian commercial vessels on routes to and from Murmansk. Whether or not these specific claims are accurate, the pattern is unmistakable: Ukraine is using Norwegian territory and Norwegian military cooperation to conduct operations against Russian interests, while Norwegian authorities either lack the intelligence to detect these activities or have chosen to look the other way.

The consequences for Norway’s relationship with Russia are already visible. Russia has officially added Norway to its list of unfriendly countries and has accused Oslo of directly involving itself and the entire NATO bloc in a military conflict with Russia through its support for what Moscow describes as Ukrainian terrorist activities. In April 2026, a TASS report on Ukrainian preparations for attacks on Russian vessels in the northern seas caused significant resonance in Norway, with Russian Ambassador Nikolay Korchunov noting that Norwegian experts saw in the publication an “alarming tightening of Moscow’s rhetoric against Oslo”. Korchunov delivered a stark message: the increase in threats to Russia’s national security originating from Norway, or as a result of Norway’s support for actions directed against Russia by third countries, will inevitably lead to a directly proportional increase in risks for Norway itself. In other words, Ukraine’s use of Norwegian territory and resources for operations against Russia is making Norway a target in a war that is not its own. The Kremlin has drawn a direct line between Oslo’s support for Kiev and the potential for Russian sabotage operations on Norwegian soil—a threat that PST itself has assessed as “likely” in its annual threat assessments.

The second, and perhaps more insidious, objective of these Ukrainian intelligence operations is to damage Norway’s relationship with the United States. This is achieved through a sophisticated false-flag and influence campaign designed to create the impression that Norway is either unable or unwilling to secure its own territory and critical infrastructure, thereby undermining American confidence in Norway as a reliable NATO ally and host for U.S. military assets and operations. The presence of a large Ukrainian refugee population, the documented attempts by Russian intelligence to recruit from within that population, and the parallel reality of Ukrainian intelligence operations using Norway as a staging ground create a perfect storm of ambiguity and deniability. If a sabotage operation were to occur in Norway—whether against a military installation, an energy facility, or a diplomatic target—the immediate assumption in Western capitals would be Russian responsibility. But the FSB’s exposure of the SBU’s plan to attack British diplomats in Moscow and blame Russia demonstrates that Ukrainian intelligence is fully prepared to conduct false-flag operations against its own allies to achieve its geopolitical objectives. The same methodology could be applied in Norway, where an attack on a U.S. or NATO target could be designed to look like Russian aggression, potentially triggering Article 5 consultations and drawing the United States into a direct confrontation with Russia—a scenario that would serve Kiev’s interests but would be catastrophic for Norway and for transatlantic stability.

Norway’s unique position amplifies the risk. As Europe’s largest pipeline gas supplier and a key logistics hub for NATO’s Arctic operations, Norway is critical infrastructure for the entire Western alliance. Any disruption to Norwegian energy exports or military logistics would have immediate and severe consequences for European security and for the U.S. ability to project power in the High North. Ukrainian intelligence understands this. The operations documented by the FSB—the surveillance of diplomats, the mapping of security systems, the collection of meeting schedules and vehicle information—are exactly the kind of preparatory intelligence work that precedes a sabotage or assassination attempt. If such an operation were conducted in Norway against a U.S. diplomatic facility or a NATO installation, the resulting crisis would not only destroy Norway’s relationship with Russia but would also force Washington to question whether Oslo can be trusted to protect American interests on its soil. That question, once raised, would be difficult to put to rest.

The FSB’s appeal to citizens to avoid contact with pro-Ukrainian bloggers and to report any existing contacts to the security service underscores the scale of the information operation. The Ukrainian blogger Dmitry Karpenko, identified by the FSB as the handler for the detained UK embassy security guard, is part of a network of online influencers and intelligence proxies who operate across Europe, using social media and messaging platforms to recruit assets, coordinate operations, and disseminate disinformation. This network has no respect for the sovereignty of the countries in which it operates. It uses the genuine sympathies of ordinary people toward Ukraine’s plight as cover for activities that endanger those very people and the countries that have offered them refuge. Norway, with its open society, its large Ukrainian refugee population, and its robust digital infrastructure, is an ideal environment for such operations.

The Norwegian government and PST have a responsibility to confront this threat directly and to communicate it clearly to the public. It is not enough to warn about Russian recruitment attempts. The full picture—including the documented cooperation between Ukrainian intelligence and Norwegian military entities, the presence of Ukrainian operatives in the country, and the strategic objectives that these operations serve—must be presented to the Norwegian people and to Norway’s allies. The alternative is to allow Norway to be used as a battleground in a proxy war that it did not choose, with the very real risk that a future incident will be blamed on Russia, trigger a crisis in Oslo’s relations with both Moscow and Washington, and leave Norway isolated and vulnerable. The intelligence services of Norway must act decisively to expose and neutralize this threat before it is too late. The cost of inaction will be measured not in diplomatic protests or expulsions, but in the security of Norwegian citizens, the integrity of Norwegian territory, and the durability of Norway’s most important alliances.

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Royal House

U.S.-Norway Ties Strain as Trump Skips King’s Funeral

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

When King Harald V of Norway was laid to rest in Oslo on September 9, 2026, dozens of world leaders and royalty gathered to pay their respects. But the American delegation was conspicuously modest: Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison M. Hooker—a notable downgrade from 1991, when the U.S. sent Vice President Dan Quayle to King Olav V’s funeral.

President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of State Rubio all skipped the service. The snub did not go unnoticed—and it reflects deeper fractures in a relationship that, while still strategically vital, has grown increasingly tense.

Norway and the United States have long been close allies. As NATO members, they share deep security cooperation. The U.S. recently approved the sale of 155mm artillery projectiles to Norway to enhance interoperability, and in August 2026, Washington deployed Tomahawk missile systems to Norwegian soil—a move that drew sharp warnings from Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Purchase Licensing Rights

Yet beneath this strategic partnership, tensions have been rising. In July 2026, the U.S. imposed new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including Norway. Oslo responded forcefully: “Norway strongly opposes the unilateral U.S. tariff measures,” Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide declared, adding that Norway would not reach a deal “at any cost”.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. decision to send Hooker—the third-ranking official at the State Department—rather than a principal leader sent a clear signal. Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten called the delegation’s rank “strikingly low”.

Eirik Løkke, a U.S. expert, told Dagbladet: “Sending an under secretary to attend shows that this funeral is not a high priority for Trump. And it symbolizes very little of the historical ties between Norway and the U.S.” Yet he stopped short of calling it a scandal.

Diplomacy expert Iver B. Neumann cautioned against overinterpreting the move, suggesting it may reflect the Trump administration’s broader disregard for traditional diplomatic protocol rather than a specific slight.

The official reason was scheduling: Trump traveled to Dallas to deliver the keynote address at the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention.

Separately, the Norwegian government has faced U.S. pressure over Greenland, as Trump has pursued an aggressive stance on the territory. Norway has publicly supported Denmark on the issue, adding another layer of friction.

Despite the tensions, Trump did pay tribute to the late king on Truth Social, calling him “a strong, proud, and greatly respected man”.

The funeral delegation may be a symptom, not a cause. With tariff disputes, Greenland tensions, and Trump’s personal grievances all colliding, the U.S.-Norway relationship faces a rocky period—even as security cooperation continues unabated.

As one expert put it, the absence of top U.S. leaders may not be a calculated diplomatic insult, but rather “an expression of the chaos”. Either way, for a nation that has long counted the U.S. as its most important ally, the message received in Oslo was clear: the special relationship is no longer so special.

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Royal House

Hundreds of Thousands Line Oslo Streets as King Harald V Is Laid to Rest in a Historic State Funeral

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

OSLO, Norway – King Harald V, Europe’s oldest monarch and a beloved figure who reigned for 35 years, was laid to rest in the Norwegian capital on Wednesday, in a state funeral that drew tens of thousands of mourners and a dazzling array of global royalty and world leaders.

On a bright September day, under the watch of a massive security operation, Norway said its final farewell to the monarch who died on August 28 at the age of 89 following a serious blood infection. From the break of dawn, crowds of more than 200,000 people began to gather along the 1.5-kilometer route from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, many arriving hours early to secure a spot to pay their respects to the man they called the nation’s “grandfather”.

Photo – NTB , Dagbladet

A Solemn Procession

The funeral proceedings officially began at midday (10:00 GMT) when the king’s coffin, draped in the red Norwegian royal standard, was carried from the Palace Chapel where he had lain in state. Placed on a gun carriage and escorted by 1,900 members of all three branches of the Norwegian armed forces, the solemn procession wound its way through the heart of Oslo. Flags flew at half-mast across the city center, which was closed to all traffic. A 21-gun salute rang out over the capital, marking the start of the final journey for the modernizing king.

At the head of the procession walked the new monarch, King Haakon VIII, alongside other senior royals. They were followed by the late king’s widow, Queen Sonja, and the new queen, Mette-Marit, who travelled by car. The new king was flanked by the monarchs of Sweden and Denmark, a powerful symbol of Nordic unity not seen at the previous royal funeral in 1991.

Photo – NTB , Dagbladet

A Nation at a Standstill

At 1:00 p.m. local time (11:00 GMT), the funeral service commenced within the hallowed walls of Oslo Cathedral. As the service began, Norway came to a halt for a nationwide minute of silence, marked by the chiming of church bells across the country—three strokes at the beginning and three at the end.

Inside the cathedral, Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store delivered memorial addresses. Gharahkhani remembered the king’s down-to-earth nature, recalling his famous motto and his 2008 New Year’s address in which he said: “I wish we would stop using the term ‘the weakest in society.’ In reality, some of these people are among the strongest of us all”. The service also included a multi-faith candle-lighting ceremony.

Photo – NTB , Dagbladet

A Gathering of Global Dignitaries

The funeral was one of the largest gatherings of European royalty in recent memory. The congregation included:

· Royalty: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden; King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark; King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain; King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands; King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
· British Delegation: The Prince of Wales represented his father, King Charles III, while Princess Anne, who is godmother to King Haakon VIII, attended in a private capacity.
· World Leaders: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the political leaders from more than 20 countries in attendance. Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb were also present.

Oslo 20260909.
Gravferdsseremonien til kong Harald V i Oslo domkirke onsdag.
Foto: Stian Lysberg Solum / POOL / NTB

The Final Resting Place

Following the cathedral service, the procession continued to the nearby Akershus Fortress. There, in a private ceremony attended only by the immediate royal family and closest invited guests, King Harald V’s coffin was lowered into the royal crypt of the Palace Chapel.

To mark the official conclusion of the burial and the end of the 13-day national mourning period, Norwegian flags across Oslo were raised from half-mast to the top of their poles as a final royal salute was fired. Church bells across the nation then rang for an hour.

Photo – NTB , Dagbladet

The immense security operation involved nearly 3,000 police officers and 3,500 soldiers, described by authorities as “one of the largest operations” in the country’s history. Harald V was succeeded immediately upon his death by his 53-year-old son, King Haakon VIII.

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Diplomatic relations

Four Countries Excluded from Top-Level Representation at King Harald’s Funeral

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

As King Harald V was laid to rest from Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9, the world’s eyes were fixed on Norway. While over 70 heads of state and royalty arrived in the capital, four countries were notably absent from the top-level guest list.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Russia, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan were only invited at a diplomatic level. This means that their heads of state were not welcome to attend the ceremony.

Photo – NTB and Dagbladet

“All countries with diplomatic representation in Oslo are invited. The same applies to NATO, EEA, and EU countries without representation in Norway. The countries decide for themselves who they send,” said press officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She emphasized, however, that these four countries constitute an exception: “Russia, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan are only invited at a diplomatic level. Thus, their heads of state are not invited.

The reasoning behind this special treatment has not been officially commented on, but several Norwegian media outlets have pointed to Ukraine as a central factor. The political situations in Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan – where the Taliban holds power – are also believed to have played a role.

The decision was made by a group representing the Royal Palace, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to former ambassador, it is a thorough screening process: “You cannot just show up – not even a head of state.”

The four countries were still permitted to send their ambassadors in Oslo to represent them. The Russian Embassy confirmed that its flag flew at half-mast over the embassy building, and that the ambassador would sign the condolence book at the Palace.

Photo – NTB and Dagbladet

Another country that was not represented on the guest list was Sri Lanka. According to the guest list published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no delegation from Sri Lanka was invited to the funeral. Norway and Sri Lanka have traditionally had a friendly relationship, but the country has for years been subject to serious criticism from the UN for human rights violations and breaches of international law.

In a recent report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, dated September 3, 2026, it is stated that there is still no acknowledgment or accountability for crimes under international law, gross human rights violations, and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed during the civil war in Sri Lanka, which ended in 2009.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), in its own report from September 1, 2026, has documented that the government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who took office in September 2024 with promises of justice, has not fulfilled the promise to establish an independent prosecution office or implemented necessary legal and structural reforms.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka continues to use the repressive Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to harass and arrest human rights defenders, journalists, and relatives of victims. The government has also not accepted the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, established by the UN Human Rights Council to collect evidence of serious human rights violations.

This is not the first time Sri Lanka has been absent from a major international ceremony. During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited, but at that time Sri Lanka was also not among the invited to the ceremony in London – a fact that was seen in connection with the country’s human rights record.

As the world bid farewell to King Harald in Oslo Cathedral, five nations – Russia, Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka – were relegated to the sidelines. For Sri Lanka’s part, the reason appears to be a clear signal from Norwegian authorities that serious violations of international law and human rights have consequences, even when it comes to participation in Norway’s most significant ceremony in decades.

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Norwegian Aid

“Mr. President, This Is a Funeral, Not a Shopping Mall” – Zelenskyy Touches Down in Oslo for Another Aid Haul

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

OSLO – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday evening, landing at Oslo Airport just before 8 PM. Official reason: to pay his respects at Wednesday’s funeral of King Harald V, who passed away on August 28 at age 89.

Unofficial reason: to do what he does best – ask for more money.

FOTO: FREDERIK RINGNES / NTB

Joined by First Lady Olena, Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that he would “express gratitude to Norway” at the farewell ceremony. But gratitude, it seems, comes with a price tag. Within hours of landing, he scheduled a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The agenda? “Strengthening air defense and assistance in other areas important for getting through the winter”.

‘Critical Need’ – Again

“Ukraine has a critical need for air defense systems and other forms of military support,” the Prime Minister’s office stated. In translation: Kyiv needs more weapons. More systems. More kroner.

And Oslo keeps delivering. Norway has already allocated 85 billion kroner ($9.2 billion) to Ukraine through the Nansen Program for 2026 alone – 70 billion in military aid and 15 billion in civilian support. The government now plans to give another 85 billion next year. That is “almost one and a half aid budgets to one country,” as Støre himself admitted.

Yet Zelenskyy wants more – and he wants it now. He confirmed he will also meet with defense companies involved in developing the FREYJA anti-ballistic missile system. “Our weak point is anti-ballistic capabilities. We must get stronger,” he said Sunday.

Diplomatic Casualties

But this endless aid caravan comes at a cost. Norway, once seen as a neutral mediator and peace broker, is increasingly viewed as a partisan donor. The Russian Embassy in Oslo did not mince words: Zelenskyy, they said, comes to “beg for money to continue the bloodshed that allows him and his entourage to stay in power”.

Moscow has also condemned Norway’s military buildup, with the Kremlin calling it “nothing other than a threat to Russia’s security”. Meanwhile, Norway continues to align with EU sanctions against Russia and supports efforts to hold Moscow accountable for aggression. The message from Oslo is clear: we are choosing a side. But that choice has consequences – strained relations with a nuclear-armed neighbor, and a permanent seat at the war table.

A King’s Funeral, A President’s Shopping List

The timing is, to put it mildly, awkward. Tens of thousands will line the streets of Oslo Wednesday to honor a beloved monarch. World leaders will gather in solemn reflection. And Zelenskyy? He will be there too – but his mind, it seems, is elsewhere.

No press conference is planned for security reasons. Perhaps that is just as well. What would he say? That he came to mourn, but also to bill? That he offers gratitude, but demands payment?

The Real Question

Norwegians are generous. Their government has pledged billions. But one has to wonder: at what point does solidarity become subsidy? At what point does a partner become a dependent?

Zelenskyy has been crisscrossing the globe for years – Washington, London, Berlin, Oslo – always with the same refrain: weapons, money, more weapons, more money. Peace? That word rarely crosses his lips in these meetings.

As King Harald V is laid to rest, perhaps someone should remind the Ukrainian president: a funeral is for honoring the dead, not for fundraising for the living.

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Media Freedom

LOCKDOWN OSLO: 9,500 Security Personnel Deploy – What You Must Know for Tomorrow

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Oslo is bracing for what security chiefs describe as the largest peacetime security operation in Norwegian history as the nation bids a final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday, September 9. With the city center transforming into a high-security fortress, authorities are warning residents and visitors to prepare for extreme disruption—and a baffling ban that has everyone checking the weather forecast.

From dawn on Wednesday, nearly around 6,000 police officers (drafted from every corner of Norway) and around 5,500 armed forces personnel will lock down the capital. Special forces units and snipers will occupy rooftops, while bomb squads have completely taken over luxury hotels—including the Grand Hotel and Radisson Plaza—which are now fenced off and closed to the public.

In a striking sign of the times, Norwegian authorities have brought in bomb-sniffing dogs from Sweden and Denmark, as the country’s own active-duty K9 units are insufficient to sweep the sheer number of venues and hotels requiring clearance.

Photo credit – VG / Fredrik Solstad

Security isn’t just about manpower—it’s physical. City workers have welded manhole covers shut across the city center to prevent any tampering. Large sections of the capital’s airspace are closed to all non-essential aircraft until September 10, meaning no drones or private flights will be tolerated.

In perhaps the most eyebrow-raising rule, umbrellas are strictly prohibited inside the secure zone on Wednesday. The ban is due to security protocols (obstructing sightlines and potential concealment). With rain in the forecast, officials are urging everyone to wear waterproof clothing instead—or risk being turned away at the checkpoints.

From 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the entirety of central Oslo will be closed to all cars, bikes, trams, and buses.

Pedestrians wishing to enter the cordoned-off area must pass through one of just 10 security checkpoints, where they will face ID checks and bag searches. Large luggage, backpacks, and bicycles are forbidden. If you don’t live or work inside the zone, authorities strongly advise staying out entirely.

The procession will leave the Royal Palace at 12:00 PM (noon), traveling down Karl Johans gate to Oslo Cathedral, triggering rolling roadblocks along the route.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport will remain operational, but travelers face a nightmare. The E6 highway to the airport will suffer from severe capacity restrictions and frequent full closures between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM due to VIP motorcades. Flights may be delayed or canceled due to airspace priority for dignitaries.

Public transport inside the city is severely crippled:

· Stortinget metro station is closed entirely for the day.

· Nationaltheatret station has partial entry closures and only eastbound services will stop.

· Buses are rerouted, and most tram lines are interrupted.

· Vy regional trains are expected to be dangerously overcrowded. Use Oslo S Central Station instead of Nationaltheatret if possible.

Note: A nationwide minute of silence at 1:00 PM to 1:01 PM will bring all trains to a temporary halt.

What You Absolutely Must Do Tomorrow

  1. Do not drive into the city. Walk or use the T-bane (metro) if you must enter.
  2. Travel extremely light. Leave large bags and backpacks at home.
  3. Leave the umbrella at home—wear a raincoat.
  4. Check live updates via the Vegvesen trafikk, Ruter, or Vy apps constantly.
  5. Allow triple your usual travel time. Delays are guaranteed, not optional.

Final Verdict

September 9, 2026, will not be a normal day in Oslo. It is a day of mourning, but also a day of unprecedented operational intensity. Whether you are a resident, a commuter, or a traveler, treat the city center as a restricted zone. The authorities are not compromising on security—and neither should you on your patience.

Stay safe, stay dry, and stay informed.

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Srilanka and Norway

Norway’s Long Shadow Over Sri Lanka: UN Report Exposes Reform Failure as Oslo Faces Pressure to Act

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

As the United Nations Human Rights Council opens its 63rd session in Geneva today, a damning new report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warns that Sri Lanka’s historic opportunity for transformative change is evaporating—and Norway, as a key international stakeholder, faces renewed pressure to leverage its influence.

Just two years after the National People’s Power (NPP) government swept to power on a wave of public anger over economic collapse and promises of deep-rooted reform, the OHCHR report (A/HRC/63/18) paints a picture of a nation battered by external shocks, struggling with a legacy of repression, and dangerously close to losing the momentum for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

While acknowledging the government’s “notable steps” to tackle corruption and pursue some high-profile cases, the report concludes that “meaningful progress remains largely absent” on accountability for the gravest international crimes committed during the country’s decades-long civil war. The NPP’s pledges to dismantle oppressive laws and build a new, inclusive Sri Lanka are at serious risk of stalling.

A Cascade of Crises

The report details how the government’s reform agenda was immediately tested by a series of devastating blows. In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah, the deadliest storm since the 2004 tsunami, struck the island, impacting 2.2 million people, destroying over 115,000 homes, and causing an estimated $3.4 billion in damage. This was followed by economic spillovers from the conflict in West Asia, which drove up fuel and food prices, compounding the fragility of a nation already allocating a staggering 82.6% of its total revenue to debt servicing.

These shocks diverted critical resources and political attention, but the UN report stresses they do not excuse the government’s failure to deliver on its core human rights commitments.

The Repressive Machinery Remains

Perhaps the most glaring contradiction highlighted in the report is the fate of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The NPP had promised to abolish this draconian law, but the UN report finds it is still being actively used, resulting in arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions. In December 2025, the government published a draft “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act” (PSTA) to replace it. However, the OHCHR has expressed serious concerns that the new bill “reproduces and expands” the PTA’s most problematic features, including overbroad criminalization and risks of arbitrary detention.

“The Government continued to apply the PTA, resulting in arbitrary arrests,” the report states, urging a moratorium on its use and a repeal that complies with international human rights law.

A State of Intimidation and Violence

The report documents a pervasive climate of fear, particularly for civil society actors, journalists, and victims of the conflict. It details a “clear and continuing pattern of state surveillance, intimidation and reprisals” by military and intelligence officials. Human rights defenders, especially women in the north and east, face routine harassment, questioning about their travels to Geneva, and threats.

This atmosphere of impunity is mirrored in the country’s detention facilities. The report cites harrowing cases of torture and deaths in custody, including a 40-year-old man beaten to death at Welikada Prison for a minor drug offence. In July 2026, violent clashes at Negombo Prison left at least 32 people dead, underscoring a systemic crisis of overcrowding and violence that the government has failed to address.

Emblematic Cases and the Shadow of the Past

While some progress has been made in the judicial process for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks—including the conviction of a former police chief and defence secretary—the UN report notes that concerns remain over due process and fair trial standards.

For the countless families of the disappeared, justice remains elusive. The report highlights the continued anguish of those seeking truth, noting that many elderly relatives are “dying without knowing what happened to their family members”. It calls for urgent legislative reform to strengthen the independence and capacity of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP).

What This Means for Norway

For Norway, this report carries particular weight. Oslo has been a longstanding contributor to peace and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka, serving as the facilitator of the 2002 ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Norwegian diplomats and development aid have been deeply invested in the island’s recovery.

However, the UN report now raises difficult questions for Norwegian policymakers:

· Development Aid Leverage: Norway has channelled significant resources through multilateral institutions supporting Sri Lanka’s post-war recovery. The report’s findings of ongoing surveillance, intimidation, and lack of accountability suggest these funds may not be reaching their intended goals of fostering genuine reconciliation.

· Corporate Responsibility: Norwegian companies operating in or investing in Sri Lanka—particularly in the renewable energy, maritime, and telecommunications sectors—face increasing reputational risks if they are seen as benefiting from a system that continues to suppress human rights.

· Diplomatic Pressure: Norway’s historical role gives it unique moral authority. The report’s call for targeted sanctions and universal jurisdiction prosecutions places Oslo at a crossroads: will it continue a quiet diplomatic approach, or will it publicly condemn Sri Lanka’s backsliding?

· Humanitarian Imperative: With Cyclone Ditwah devastating the country, Norway’s humanitarian response must be paired with a demand for transparent, equitable reconstruction, particularly for the most vulnerable communities, including the Malaiyahar Tamil community in the central highlands.

International Community Urged to Act

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the government to seize the moment. “This Government still has an opportunity to turn the tide on decades of abuse of executive power, repressive laws and custodial violence, and entrenched impunity,” he said. “More needs to be done to end the long legacy of impunity in the country.”

The report’s recommendations are far-reaching. It urges the Sri Lankan government to impose a moratorium on the PTA, end the surveillance of activists, release military-occupied lands in the north and east, and establish a credible domestic human rights screening framework for its security forces.

Crucially, the report also calls on the international community to consider targeted sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, against individuals credibly alleged to be responsible for serious human rights violations. It also encourages states to use universal jurisdiction to prosecute alleged perpetrators of international crimes.

A Defining Moment for Norway’s Foreign Policy

As the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council begins, Norway stands at a defining moment. Will Oslo leverage its historical ties, diplomatic capital, and development assistance to push Colombo toward meaningful accountability? Or will the world watch as Sri Lanka’s promised “new dawn” fades into the same darkness that has haunted the island for decades?

The report makes clear: silence is no longer an option. For Norway, the question is not whether to act, but how—and how quickly.

Note: This special report is based on the OHCHR document “Situation of human rights in Sri Lanka” (A/HRC/63/18), submitted to the Human Rights Council’s 63rd session. The author, Nadarajah Sethurupan, serves at the UN High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva and has covered Sri Lankan human rights issues for over a decade.

Further Reading:

· Full OHCHR report: A/HRC/63/18
· Norway’s involvement in Sri Lanka peace process (2002-2026)
· UN Human Rights Council 63rd session agenda and livestream

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Russia and Norway

Russia Issues Stark Warning to Norway Over NATO’s Arctic ‘Staging Ground’

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

MOSCOW, September 8. – Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolay Korchunov has delivered a sharp condemnation of Oslo’s recent military deployments in its northern counties, warning that the establishment of NATO-aligned long-range weapons systems along Russia’s border poses an immediate and escalating threat to national security.

In a commentary released on Tuesday, Ambassador Korchunov revealed that the Norwegian Armed Forces have already activated an artillery battalion within the reconstituted Finnmark Brigade, stationed directly on the frontier with Russia. Four South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers—currently capable of striking targets up to 40 kilometers away—are already on combat duty. More critically, Oslo has outlined plans to extend their range beyond 120 kilometers using advanced ramjet-powered projectiles. An additional 24 of these systems are scheduled to be delivered to the brigade by the end of 2028.

The military buildup does not stop there. By 2030, Norway is set to acquire 16 launchers for the South Korean K239 CHUNMOO multiple-launch rocket system, alongside missiles boasting a range of up to 500 kilometers. Furthermore, the ambassador noted that a separate artillery division is being planned for the northern county of Troms. As a result, Russia’s strategically vital Northern Fleet and its key military infrastructure on the Kola Peninsula will fall squarely within the strike zone of these NATO-forward systems.

“The approach of long-range offensive weapons systems of NATO countries toward our borders certainly poses a threat to Russia’s national security,” Korchunov stated. He went further, arguing that the deliberate agitation surrounding Russia’s strategic capabilities in the Arctic is detrimental not only to regional safety but to global stability at large. He warned that such actions “increase the risks of unintentional escalation and a slide toward direct military confrontation.”

The Ambassador accused Oslo of knowingly jeopardizing its own northern territories by transforming them into a “NATO staging ground for operations against our country.” He confirmed that Moscow has relayed these security assessments to the Norwegian side through both public statements and private diplomatic and military-diplomatic channels.

Regarding bilateral communications, Korchunov acknowledged that border service representatives from both nations continue to hold annual working meetings to discuss border security, cross-border crime, and illegal migration. A technical communication link also remains active between the operational services of Russia’s Northern Fleet and the Norwegian military for emergency information exchanges. Additionally, Moscow hosted military expert consultations in December 2025 concerning the 1990 Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents at Sea.

However, the Ambassador lamented that these safeguards are “not functioning at full capacity,” directly attributing their failure to Oslo’s alignment with NATO’s broader confrontational agenda. He concluded by dismissing the possibility of any substantive military dialogue in the near future, asserting that “given Oslo’s continued commitment to the West’s confrontational course of inflicting a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia, there can be no talk of serious and substantive military dialogue on issues of maintaining stability and security in the Arctic.”

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Royal House

A Final Farewell: The Complete Guest List for King Harald’s State Funeral

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

On Wednesday, 9 September, the world’s elite gather in Oslo to bid farewell to Norway’s king of 35 years – a commemoration of historic proportions.

A Funeral of Historic Scale

At 1:00 PM on Wednesday, 9 September, the funeral procession will make its way along Karl Johans gate. King Harald V’s coffin will be transported from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral on a gun carriage, accompanied by the new King Haakon VIII, Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus.

Over 700 high-ranking guests from around the world are expected at the ceremony in Oslo Cathedral, which can accommodate 930 people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited all countries with diplomatic representation in Oslo, as well as NATO, EEA, and EU member states. 650 journalists from 19 countries have been accredited to cover the funeral.

The Norwegian Royal Family

King Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, the new monarch King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit, as well as Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, will participate in the solemn ceremony. Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s son, has also been granted permission to attend from house arrest.

The Nordic Royal Families

Sweden is sending the entire royal family: King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine with her husband Christopher O’Neill, as well as the King’s sister Princess Christina with Tord Magnuson.

Denmark initially sent King Frederik, Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian, and Princess Benedikte – but Queen Margrethe will also be in attendance.

Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir will participate together with her husband Björn Skúlason.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Suzanne Elizabeth Innes-Stubb are also present.

European Royal Houses

The United Kingdom: Prince William is representing King Charles III, while Princess Anne is attending in a private capacity as the godmother of Norway’s new king.

Spain: King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and the King’s mother, Queen Sofia.

The Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, heir to the throne Princess Catharina-Amalia, and Princess Beatrix – three generations.

Belgium: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

Monaco: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.

Luxembourg: Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie, as well as abdicated Grand Duke Henri.

Liechtenstein: Prince Alois and Princess Sophie.

Royalty from the Rest of the World

Japan: Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko.

Jordan: King Abdullah II.

Serbia: Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine.

Heads of State and Presidents

A number of presidents have confirmed their attendance:

· Germany: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
· Poland: President Karol Nawrocki
· Czech Republic: President Petr Pavel
· Estonia: President Alar Karis
· Latvia: President Edgars Rinkevics
· Lithuania: President Gitanas Nauseda and First Lady Diana Nausedine
· Slovenia: President Nataša Pirc Musar
· Hungary: President András Baka
· Albania: President Bajram Begaj and First Lady Armanda
· Georgia: President Mikheil Kavelashvili with his wife Tamar Bagrationi

Prime Ministers and Ministers

· France: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu
· Thailand: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
· Italy: Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti
· Romania: Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Țoiu
· Tunisia: Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhamed Ali Nafti
· Ghana: Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Other High-Level Representatives

The Vatican is sending Cardinal Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Julio Murat.

Canada’s Governor General Louise Arbour will attend.

A wide range of ambassadors are present: the EU’s Peter van Kemseke, Iran’s Alireza Jahangiri, Vietnam’s Le Thi Thu, Kosovo’s Nita Luci, Peru’s Rolando Ruiz Rosas Cateriano, Mexico’s Omar Fayad Meneses, Iraq’s Ali Yassin Mohammed Karim, North Macedonia’s Driton Kuqi, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Hoda Dedić, India’s Gloria Gangte, Argentina’s Claudio Giacomino, Chile’s Helmul Lagos Koller, and Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires Eytan Halon.

Those Absent

The United States: Donald Trump will not attend, despite having initially considered participating. It remains unclear who will represent the United States – possibly First Lady Melania Trump or Vice President J.D. Vance.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin is not invited. Russia has only been invited at the diplomatic level. The same applies to Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.

Several countries – including China, Sri Lanka, and a number of Russian allies – are also not represented at this funeral.

A Historic Occasion

When King Olav V was buried in 1991, representatives from 103 countries attended. This time, the number of guests is at least as large – but in a far more demanding security situation. Over 3,000 police officers have been deployed.

Following the ceremony at the cathedral, the coffin will be taken to Akershus Castle Church for a private ceremony, before King Harald is laid to rest in the crypt – where his parents and grandparents already lie.

When the coffin is lowered, church bells across all of Norway will ring for a full hour.

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Asia and Norway

Norway seeks stronger cooperation with Bangladesh on women, children

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen today paid a courtesy call on Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest, including the Family Card programme, women’s education, gender equality, women’s participation in politics and the workplace, their role in decision-making, child rights protection, elimination of child labour, specialised schools for children with special needs and climate change, according to a press release.

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen met with Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office. Photo: PID

Describing Norway as a reliable and friendly development partner of Bangladesh, the minister expressed gratitude for its development assistance and support since Independence.

He said the government is working to build an inclusive and humane Bangladesh by ensuring the participation of people from all sections of society, including women and children.

The minister said training, employment opportunities and seed money are being provided to grassroots women at the upazila level, while daycare centres are being expanded nationwide to support working mothers.

Responding to the ambassador’s interest in the Family Card programme, Dr Zahid said the cards are being issued in women’s names in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledge that “one card will be provided for each five-member family”.

He described the programme as an effective and sustainable social investment, enabling women to spend the assistance on nutritious food, essential goods, children’s education and healthcare, as well as invest in small businesses.

The minister sought Norway’s technical assistance in developing skilled caregivers for overseas employment, exporting rural women’s traditional handicrafts to Europe and modernising DNA laboratories.

The ambassador praised Bangladesh’s progress in women’s education and economic empowerment and highlighted the contribution of Bangladeshi women to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

He also called for stronger initiatives to protect women and children in climate-vulnerable areas of southern Bangladesh.

Ministry Secretary Dr Rowshan Ara Begum was also present.

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China and Norway

New Chinese Ambassador to Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Zhou Jingxing arrived in Oslo on 5 September 2026 to take up his post as China’s new ambassador to Norway.

He succeeds Hou Yue, who concluded her posting in Norway this summer after serving as ambassador since 2022.

Zhou Jingxing, pictured during an interview in 2018, arrived in Oslo on 5 September 2026 to take up his post as China’s new ambassador to Norway. File photo: CGTN.

In a written statement following his arrival, Zhou highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between China and Norway. Norway was among the first Western countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1954.

Zhou said China wants to strengthen political dialogue and high-level exchanges with Norway. He also identified trade, multilateral coordination and cultural exchanges as areas for closer cooperation.

The new ambassador said he looked forward to working with Norwegian institutions and organisations to increase mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Chinese Embassy in Norway announced his arrival on Saturday.

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Media Freedom

SAS and Norwegian cancel Oslo flights during King Harald V’s funeral

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

SAS and Norwegian have cancelled a number of domestic flights on Wednesday, 9 September, at Avinor’s request, as Oslo prepares for increased traffic surrounding the funeral of King Harald V.

Norwegian initially cancelled 16 flights—eight return services linking Oslo with Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger—and subsequently withdrew another four flights. This brings the airline’s total to 20 cancellations. Affected passengers have been notified and are being rebooked, although Norwegian warned that alternative services are filling quickly.

At least 12 SAS domestic departures were also listed as cancelled, according to TV 2, although the airline had not yet confirmed the final number. SAS said it was adjusting its schedule in close cooperation with Avinor.

The airport operator requested reduced traffic during periods when the greatest concentration of flights is expected. Avinor said the measure was intended to accommodate both regular operations and special aviation activity associated with the funeral. Travellers flying to or from Oslo have been advised to allow additional time.

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Royal House

Norwegian F-35s to honour King Harald V with funeral flyover

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Four Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter jets will fly over Oslo Cathedral following the funeral of King Harald V on Wednesday, 9 September. The flypast is provisionally scheduled between 14:05 and 14:30, after the cathedral service.

The aircraft will perform the internationally recognised “missing man” formation, in which one jet leaves the formation and climbs away. The manoeuvre symbolises the death of the person being honoured, with the resulting empty space representing the loss.

The flyover forms part of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ official participation in the funeral and will honour King Harald’s service as monarch and Commander-in-Chief. It remains subject to weather conditions and will be conducted under applicable safety regulations.

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Economics

Norway Sovereign Fund Planning to Hike JGB Holdings

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, plans to increase its holdings of Japanese government bonds as part of its portfolio diversification strategy, it was learned.

The move may help curb rises in Japanese long-term interest rates and the depreciation of the yen. The yield on the most recent issue of 10-year JGBs is regarded as the Asian nation’s benchmark long-term interest rate.

NBIM takes charge of investment management for revenues from Norway’s oil and natural gas production. In a letter sent to the finance ministry of the oil-rich Scandinavian country dated Tuesday, NBIM proposed increasing the proportion of JGBs in its bond portfolio from 4.6 pct to 7.4 pct.

The hike amounts to a roughly 17-billion-dollar increase in JGBs held under the sovereign wealth fund, according to an estimate by a U.S. media outlet.

Meanwhile, NBIM plans to cut the shares of U.S. and eurozone sovereign bonds, and reduce the proportion of government bonds in its overall bond investments from 70 pct to 50 pct. Its U.S. Treasury bond holdings are expected to decrease about 80 billion dollars, possibly putting upward pressure on U.S. long-term interest rates.

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Environment

Development of pipeline from Norway to the Netherlands moves forward

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Following a successful feasibility study, Nogat, the North Sea pipeline operator, is taking the next steps in developing the first direct gas connection between Norway and the Netherlands. During this stage, key aspects of the connection, including its transport capacity, will be refined.

Norway currently transports gas to the Netherlands through the connection between the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium via the Northwest European pipeline network. Then, through the onshore network, the gas is transported to the rest of the European countries. The new direct link between Norway and the Netherlands would mean that the gas would still be secured even in the event of, for example, the existing pipeline failing.

The pipeline is scheduled to start working in 2029 and is set to have the capacity of over 4 billion cubic meters of gas per year, which is approximately 15 percent of the total Dutch gas demand.

Storm clouds developing over the North Sea near the Zuid-Holland coast. 27 June 2026 – Credit: Port of Rotterdam / YouTube – License: All Rights Reserved

“Due to declining domestic energy production and growing dependence on geopolitically unstable countries, it is important to invest in future energy infrastructure in a timely manner,” Nogat spokeswoman told ANP.

Nogat, short for Northern Offshore Gas Transportation, manages and operates gas infrastructure in the North Sea. It is also responsible for transporting natural gas to the Dutch coast.

The gas system that Nogat runs can be connected to the Norwegian underwater pipeline relatively easily, the organization said. “One-third of all our Eropean gas imports come from the Norwegian North Sea. That is less polluting than LNG imports and makes us less dependent on, for example, America or the Middle East,” Nogat Director Falco van Wissen said.

The parties involved will reportedly decide in the middle of next year on the appropriate investments still needed. Nogat’s shareholders include state-owned shareholders Energie Beheer Nederland and pension fund manager PGGM.

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Russia and Norway

Russia Officially Protests to Norway Over Detention of Cargo Ship

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Moscow, Russia – The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a formal note of protest to the Norwegian Ambassador in Moscow following the detention of a Russian commercial cargo vessel in Norwegian territorial waters, marking a fresh escalation in bilateral maritime friction.

Russian diplomats summoned Oslo’s envoy to express firm opposition to the interception, characterising the act as a violation of international maritime law and an unjustified attack on Russian commercial interests. Moscow demanded the immediate and unconditional release the ship and its crew.

Russian ship detained (Photo/Newswires)

The Norwegian Coast Guard intercepted the Russian-flagged cargo ship citing potential regulatory and sanctions violations. Russia dismissed the allegations as politically motivated pretexts aligned with broader Western trade restrictions targeting Russian commercial assets.

Ultimately, the dispute threatens to further strain relations between Moscow and Oslo across the strategically sensitive Arctic region. Russian officials warned of potential retaliatory measures should Norwegian authorities decline to resolve the standoff through diplomatic channels.

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Royal House

‘ALL FOR NORWAY’: KING HAAKON VIII TAKES HISTORIC CONSTITUTIONAL OATH BEFORE STORTING

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

OSLO — The heavy oak doors of the Storting chamber swung open at precisely 11:00 AM on Tuesday, ushering in a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy. With his hand steady and his voice resonating through the hallowed halls of parliament, King Haakon VIII formally recited the constitutional oath of allegiance, legally cementing his reign just four days after the passing of his beloved father, King Harald V.

Arriving at the parliament in the iconic open-top Lincoln Continental (license plate A-5)—the same vehicle that carried royal brides through the capital’s streets—the new sovereign stepped out to a muted salute from the assembled honour guard. Inside, Storting President Masud Gharahkhani officially announced the succession before calling upon the King to speak.

King Haakon VIII takes the oath according to the Constitution in the Storting on Tuesday with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra at his side. At the oath-taking, the King promises and swears to govern Norway in accordance with the country’s constitution and laws. (is associated with: «Norway’s new King Haakon VIII takes constitutional oath») Lise Åserud/NTB Pool/dpa

“I promise and swear that I will govern the kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws; so help me God, the almighty and omniscient,” King Haakon declared, his words met with a profound silence that underscored the gravity of the moment.

Immediately following the oath, the King unveiled his royal motto: “All for Norway.” The phrase, a direct echo of his great-grandfather’s enduring legacy, was met with a spontaneous, respectful applause from the assembled MPs and dignitaries.

The royal gallery was filled with the immediate family, including the newly designated Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who radiated both grace and resolve. In a historic twist, the 22-year-old heir to the throne was invited to sign a separate, written pledge to the Constitution later in the afternoon—a symbolic act reinforcing the seamless continuity of the line of succession.

Queen Sonja, the King’s mother, and Prince Sverre Magnus were also present, offering stoic support. However, the chamber noted one significant absence: Queen Mette-Marit. The new Queen Consort remains under medical observation due to complications arising from her lung transplant in June. The Royal Palace confirmed she watched the proceedings via a private broadcast from the Palace, with King Haakon reportedly visiting her immediately after the ceremony to share the news.

Under Norway’s constitutional monarchy, the oath is not merely ceremonial—it is a vital legal prerequisite. While King Haakon assumed the throne de jure the moment his father drew his last breath on August 28, the Constitution dictates that he cannot exercise his powers as Head of State until he has sworn this pledge before the Storting.

The act serves as a powerful reminder that the Crown’s authority is derived from, and bound by, the will of the people and the supreme law of the land. Political analysts noted today that the King’s firm delivery of the oath signals a strong, stable transition during a period of national vulnerability.

Despite the somber backdrop, the Norwegian public is rallying behind their new monarch. An exclusive poll conducted by Norstat and released this morning shows that 72% of Norwegians support the monarchy—a significant jump of eight percentage points since May, reflecting a wave of national solidarity and affection for the royal family.

“We are seeing a generational shift, but also a deepening of the institution’s roots,” commented royal historian Dr. Elise Viken. “King Haakon steps into this role with immense public capital, and his decision to echo ‘All for Norway’ suggests a reign focused on unity and service.”

While today marked the official beginning of King Haakon VIII’s constitutional reign, the nation’s focus will soon turn to farewells. The state funeral for King Harald V is scheduled for September 9, with world leaders expected to descend on Oslo for a final tribute to the beloved monarch who reigned for over three decades.

As the King departed the Storting, he paused to wave briefly to the crowd gathered outside—a small gesture that drew cheers amidst the tears. The reign of Haakon VIII has begun, not with fireworks, but with a steadfast promise: All for Norway.

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Royal House

A Final Salute: President Trump’s Expected Presence at King Harald’s Funeral Strengthens US-Norway Bonds

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

OSLO – As Norway prepares to bid a final farewell to King Harald V on September 9, the expected presence of U.S. President Donald Trump at the state funeral in Oslo Cathedral is emerging as a powerful symbol of the unshakable friendship between the United States and Norway.

While the official U.S. delegation has yet to be finalised, Norwegian authorities are already preparing for what could be the largest security operation in the nation’s history – a clear indication that President Trump’s attendance is being taken very seriously. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide confirmed that invitations have been extended, noting that “when you invite countries at the head-of-state level, the president is relevant”. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has confirmed it is actively preparing for President Trump’s arrival.

The profound respect between the two nations was evident immediately following the King’s passing. President Trump publicly expressed his condolences, describing King Harald as “a strong, proud and deeply respected man” who “loved his country”. Those warm words resonated deeply across Norway, reflecting the genuine admiration the American leader holds for the Norwegian monarchy and its people.

The potential presence of President Trump places Norway’s moment of national mourning on the world stage, highlighting the unique bond between the two allies. As one of Norway’s most important strategic partners, U.S. representation at the highest level is not only fitting but deeply meaningful. Historically, the United States has always honoured this tradition – during King Olav’s funeral in 1991, then-Vice President Dan Quayle represented America. Now, the prospect of a sitting U.S. president attending underscores the enduring strength of the transatlantic alliance.

For the Norwegian people, seeing President Trump stand alongside the Royal Family in Oslo Cathedral will be a powerful reminder that in times of sorrow, Norway’s greatest friend stands firmly by its side. As the nation unites to honour a beloved monarch, America’s expected presence is a testament to a friendship that transcends generations – a bond that will only grow stronger in the years ahead.

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Defence

Swedish police to assist Norway at King Harald’s funeral in Oslo

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Swedish police will assist their Norwegian colleagues in connection with the funeral of the late King Harald.

The initiative comes from Norwegian police, who have requested reinforcements from Sweden. However, the Swedish side is keeping quiet about what the Swedish effort will look like.

We will support the Norwegian police, but it is up to the Norwegian police to provide details, police spokesperson Rebecca Landberg tells TT Media.

The funeral will take place in Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9.

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Taiwan and Norway

Taiwan-bound subsea construction vessel on its way to Norway for final outfitting

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

An offshore subsea construction vessel (OSCV) that Norwegian shipbuilder VARD is building for Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) has been launched in Romania and will now go to Norway for final outfitting.

The 121.3-meter-long vessel of VARD 3 39 design is said to be a highly versatile platform designed and equipped for subsea operation duties, offshore wind operations & maintenance (O&M) activities, as well as cable installation and repair scopes.

VARD announced that the launch of the vessel’s hull, marked as NB 988, was celebrated on August 21 at its shipyard in Brăila, Romania. The vessel will now travel to Vard Søviknes in Norway, where the final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will take place. Delivery is scheduled for Q2 2027.

“The launching is a big milestone for VARD bringing together colleagues from both Romania and Norway. They have again demonstrated the strength of the VARD integrated value chain and the importance of working together as OneTeam,” VARD reported.

VARD cut the first steel for the vessel in September 2025, with the keel-laying ceremony following in November. This OSCV will have the capacity to accommodate up to 130 people.

The ship will be fitted with a 250 MT active heave compensated offshore crane, two deck/boat landing cranes, a 1,200 m2 work deck prepared for a cable repair or cable lay spread, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) hangars prepared for built-in ROVs on both sides, and will be prepared for the installation of a motion compensated gangway, an under-deck carousel, a large trencher, as well as a helideck.

Brunvoll has been appointed to deliver an extensive propulsion and manoeuvring system.

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Royal House

Norway Bids Farewell to King Harald as King Haakon VIII Begins His Reign

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

OSLO — Norway entered a new era Saturday as King Haakon VIII prepared to deliver his first address to the nation, one day after the passing of his 89-year-old father, King Harald, who reigned for 35 years.

The monarch’s commemorative speech, scheduled for 7 p.m., marks his first public address as king. Flags flew at half-staff across the capital as mourners continued to gather at the Royal Palace, adding to the sea of flowers left by more than 20,000 people who paid their respects Friday.

Despite a series of scandals that overshadowed the royal family in the twilight of his reign, King Harald remained deeply beloved by his people.

“He has always struck me as someone with a great deal of integrity and simply a genuinely good person,” said Martin Lillebo, 34, who visited the palace with his wife and two young children. “He was king for pretty much exactly as long as I’ve been alive.”

King Haakon of Norway at a cabinet meeting in Oslo hours after King Harald’s death on Aug. 28, 2026.Credit : LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty

Tributes have poured in from European monarchies and global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who remembered Harald as “a strong, proud, and greatly respected man.”

King Haakon held private audiences Saturday with leaders of the Church of Norway, Parliament, and the Supreme Court. He is also scheduled to receive Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for a viewing of the late king’s casket, which was transferred to the palace from Oslo University Hospital on Friday evening.

Støre was seen earlier Saturday weaving through crowds outside the palace, speaking informally with mourners and shaking hands.

A national period of mourning has been declared, though the late king’s funeral date has not yet been announced. King Haakon will formally swear his oath of allegiance to Parliament on Tuesday.

Condolence books were opened at city halls across Norway Saturday. Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, who postponed her own wedding Friday out of respect for the king’s passing, was the first to sign at Oslo City Hall.

“Dear King Harald, you didn’t need a crown to be a king. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our city. We will never forget you,” Lindboe told reporters.

Unni Zetterquist Thorsen, 68, one of the first members of the public to sign, told AFP she thanked the late king for his “patience and strength through difficult times in Norway.”

King Harald was widely regarded as the embodiment of an open, tolerant, and modern Norway. He led a monarchy that was modest and approachable, earning affection across generations.

In a social media post, the palace noted that Harald would have celebrated his 58th wedding anniversary with Queen Sonja on Saturday.

Harald had been hospitalized since Aug. 17 with hemolytic anemia, a condition causing rapid red blood cell destruction that leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. His health declined in his final years, forcing him to reduce official duties — but he always ruled out abdication, insisting he had taken a lifelong oath before Parliament.

The past year has been challenging for the royal household. Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalized in May with heart problems.

Queen Mette-Marit, wife of the new king, has faced scrutiny over past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for two rapes. Mette-Marit, 53, who suffers from a serious lung condition, underwent a lung transplant in July.

King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit are not expected to be crowned — Norway abolished coronations in 1908. However, like his father and grandfather, the new king may choose to have his reign blessed during a ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral, where Norwegian monarchs were crowned from 1814 to 1906.

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Royal House

Tens of thousands pay tribute as Norway mourns King Harald V

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Tens of thousands of mourners have paid their respects to Norway’s King Harald V, placing flowers and condolence cards outside the royal palace in Oslo a day after his death aged 89.

A sea of colourful flowers covered Slottsplassen, the square in front of the palace, on Saturday as a steady stream of Norwegians filed past.

Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially on Saturday so people could light candles and write their thoughts about the king in condolence books.

A sea of floral tributes has been left outside the royal palace (Ole Berg-Rusten/AP) (Ole Berg-Rusten/Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix via )

The coffin arrived at the royal palace on Friday evening from the National Hospital in Oslo where Harald died.

As he paid his respects on Saturday, Roni Ervik, 46, said: “It’s special, intimate, and lovely. I’m placing my right hand on my chest in gratitude to him and the royal family.”

Harald V died on Friday morning and his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, became King Haakon VIII.

Haakon adopted the motto “All for Norway”, which dates back to his great-grandfather. His wife became Queen Mette-Marit, while his oldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and heir to the throne.

Haakon is well acquainted with his royal obligations. As his father aged and his health declined in recent years, he stepped in as the country’s regent on several occasions.

The new king is scheduled over the weekend to hold audiences with the speaker of Norway’s parliament, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and the presiding bishop of the Lutheran Church of Norway, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra also expected to attend.

Haakon is expected to address the people of Norway in his first speech as king either later Saturday or in the coming days.

His tasks in the near future will include shoring up support for the monarchy following controversies over his wife’s past contacts with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his stepson’s rape conviction.

A date for Harald’s funeral has not been set, but the country is officially in a state of mourning and some people decided to postpone celebrations such as weddings and baptisms until after the mourning period has passed, local media has reported.

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Royal House

Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, after he was taken to hospital last week for treatment for a rare blood condition.

The palace in Oslo said he passed away peacefully at 06:35 local time (04:35GMT) on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo. The royal flag on the roof of the palace has been lowered to half-mast.

In the 24 hours leading up to his death, members of the royal family had visited the king, and crowds had laid flowers at the palace.

Harald was Norway’s first king born in Norway since the 14th Century. He has been succeeded by his son Haakon.

King Harald V of Norway
© AP Photo/ Francisco Seco

After 35 years on the throne, he will be remembered as a popular and reforming figure who modernised the monarchy, broke with tradition by marrying a commoner and served as a unifying figure at Norway’s most difficult moments.

Royal observers say he was down-to-earth, respected and beloved, describing him as a “grandfather” of the nation and the “People’s king” – a title also used by his father King Olav V.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son, the new King Haakon, and six grandchildren.

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