Norwegian-Egyptian relations took center stage as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi made his official visit to Oslo from December 8 to 10, 2023. This trip is part of his broader European tour, and discussions between El Sisi and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre focused on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation. According to a joint statement released by the Egyptian Presidency, "Egypt and Norway have enjoyed close bilateral co-operation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1936," highlighting their commitment to developing existing partnerships.
Both leaders recognized the importance of regular political consultations, agreeing to address issues of mutual interest and work together to promote stability, peace, and prosperity across their respective regions. "We stressed our deep concern about the situation in the Middle East, including the enormous suffering of civilians and dire humanitarian needs," the statement continued, advocating for immediate actions to halt violence and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
A strong focal point of their discussions was the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages following the recent escalation of violence, particularly related to the Gaza Strip. The Norwegian government explicitly condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, calling for the immediate release of hostages. The statement underscored the responsibility of all parties involved to protect civilians and emphasized Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.
Further, both nations expressed their rejection of forced displacements of Palestinians and condemned the increasing violence against civilians, as well as military operations within the West Bank. "We also raised our deep concern about Israel’s systematic obstruction of UNRWA and other organizations providing aid," reiterated El Sisi and Støre, stressing the dire humanitarian situation and the need for international support.
Simultaneously, Norway faced its own troubling headlines over the weekend, with authorities reporting the tragic death of both a police officer and a suspect during a shootout on December 9-10, 2023. The incident took place near Klepp, close to Stavanger when police officers responded to reports of a threatening situation involving weapons. Tragedy struck as gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of the young officer and the suspect, both of whom sustained severe injuries during the exchange.
Marie Benedicte Bjornland, the Norwegian police commissioner, voiced her heartbreak over the situation, stating, "The mission last night had the worst possible outcome. Two human lives have been lost and the police have lost a dear colleague." This incident marks one of the rare occurrences of police fatalities during active duty in Norway, the last being reported back in 2004, adding to the shock felt across the community.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reflected on this tragic event, remarking, "This is a very serious and tragic event... affects us all." The severity of the incident was underscored by the rarity of such occurrences within the Nordic nation, which has prided itself on relatively low levels of gun violence and police fatalities compared to other countries.
El Sisi’s visit and the police shooting highlight the duality of current challenges faced by Norway—seeking to bolster international relations and address pressing humanitarian crises abroad, all the meanwhile grappling with somber realities at home. The juxtaposition of these events serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interrelations between global geopolitics and national security.
Both the Egyptian president and Norwegian government reaffirmed their commitments to support humanitarian efforts, particularly focusing on the provisions for UNRWA's aid to Palestine. Their collaborative stance aims to alleviate suffering and promote dialogue, emphasizing the necessity for peaceful resolutions to conflicts affecting the lives of countless individuals. This mutual concern sets the stage for future discussions and initiatives aligned with humanitarian principles and human rights.
Both events signify the proactive engagement Norway is pursuing on the world stage as well as protecting its own citizens, ensuring safety and cooperation amid rising global tensions and local incidents.
