Three Norwegian diplomats at the embassy in Moscow have been declared undesirable in Russia.
This is stated by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
The deportation comes as a reaction to Norway expelling three Russian diplomats in early April.
Russia writes that the unfriendly line from the Norwegian side leads to damage to the bilateral relationship between Norway and Russia.
The three diplomats Norway expelled were declared undesirable due to the war in Ukraine.
A number of other European countries have also expelled Russian diplomats and had their diplomats expelled from Russia as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
25 Norwegian diplomats work at the embassy in Moscow.
Ambassador Rune Reasland was summoned to a meeting by the Russian Foreign Ministry at 12 noon today and was handed the protest against Norway expelling Russian diplomats. Russia is also protesting against Norway’s military aid to Ukraine and that Norway is defending Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Labor Party) met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time in Tromsø in October 2021.
Photo: Knut Anders Finnset / NRK
–
Norway not surprised
Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Labor Party) writes in a comment to NRK that she is not surprised by the Russian reaction.
– We will continue to stand with our close allies and partners against Russia’s aggression and in our support for Ukraine.
She writes that the diplomats in Moscow have conducted regular diplomatic work. The war in Ukraine has had consequences for relations between Norway and Russia, says Huitfeldt.
– Like other European countries and allies, we have reduced contact with the Russian authorities to a minimum. We want to protect cooperation and channels of direct importance for safety and security. The same applies to ensuring sustainable management in our immediate areas, writes Huitfelt.
Swedes expelled
Yesterday came the news that Russia expelled four Swedish diplomats.
Three of the diplomats who were declared undesirable work at the Swedish embassy in Moscow. An employee is affiliated with the Swedish Consulate General in St. Petersburg, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde stated on Twitter.
–
