Offices and functions

The Embassy's main function is to promote Norwegian interests in the United Kingdom and further develop Norwegian-British relations. The ties between the two countries are strong and solid. The two nations enjoy a long-standing and close relationship in the political, economic and cultural fields.

The Ambassador
Ambassador Bjarne Lindstrøm
Telephone: 020 7591 5526
Fax: 020 7245 6993
E-mail: emb.london@mfa.no

The Ambassador's Secretary, Ms Bente Larsen
Telephone: 020 7591 5526
Fax: 020 7245 6993
E-mail: bela@mfa.no

Read more about the Ambassador here.

Political & Economic Section
The main tasks of the Political and Economic Section are to follow developments in UK policy, and to promote Norwegian interests in the UK. The Political and Economic Section reports regularly on domestic and foreign political developments in the UK, and follows in particular issues relevant to the bilateral relations between the UK and Norway. Policy issues of importance to Norway include international co-operation particularly in the UN, NATO and WTO, security policy, prevention of conflict, disarmament, petroleum and energy, environment, fisheries, R&D, social affairs, agriculture, labour relations and promotion of democracy, development and human rights. The section covers Britain's relations to the European Union in general, and, in particular, to the European Single Market and the European Economic Area agreement, which governs trade and other relations between Norway and EU member states. In addition, the section reports on constitutional and regional matters of interest, including devolution and the development in Northern Ireland. The section also provides a link between Norwegian central authorities and international organisations based in the UK. London hosting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and being a financial centre for the maritime industry, means maritime issues are important to this section. The main dialogue partner of the Political and Economic Section is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but interlocutors also include other relevant ministries and Government agencies, politicians, research institutions etc.

Enquiries to the Political and Economic Section:
Telephone: 020 7591 5500 (main switchboard)
Fax: 020 7245 6993
E-mail: emb.london@mfa.no

Minister, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Political and Economic Section: Mr Per Egil Selvaag
E-mail: per.egil.selvaag@mfa.no

Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs: Mr Arne Bjørnstad
E-mail: asbj@mfa.no

Councellor for Security and Defence Policy: Mr Harald Støren
E-mail: hws@mfa.no

First Secretary, Political and Economic Section: Ms Gøril Johansen
E-mail: gor@mfa.no

First Secretary, Political and Economic Section: Mr Alf Åge Hansen
E-mail: alha@mfa.no 
 

Commercial Section
The Embassy's Commercial Counsellor is head of Innovation Norway's representation in the UK, also known as the Office of Trade and Technology in London, and is an integrated part of the Embassy.

The Office of Trade and Technology provides services to Norwegian companies approaching British and Irish markets, including market strategy development, export promotion, technology transfer and joint ventures in research and development. The Office also has extensive information available to British companies interested in doing business with Norway.

Whereas the Embassy's Political & Economic Section tends to focus more on bilateral economic relations on a government level, the Office of Trade and Technology provides the main contact point for private business and trade. It provides services to Norwegian companies approaching British and Irish markets, including market strategy development, export promotion, technology transfer and joint ventures in research and development. The Office also has extensive information available to British companies interested in doing business with Norway.

Innovation Norway is responsible for promoting both business and leisure travel from the UK to Norway and provides a complete range of marketing support services.

Enquiries to Innovation Norway (Tourism):
Telephone: 09063 022003
Fax: 020 7839 6014
E-mail: london@innovasjonnorge.no

Press, Information and Cultural Section                          
This section promotes a wide range of Norwegian cultural events including concerts, exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and films, in close co-operation with a large number of British and Norwegian partners, e.g. government offices, cultural institutions, venues and organisers. Many of these events are listed in the Culture Calendar on the culture pages, which the section produces and coordinates.

The section has close contact with British and international media covering Norway and Norwegian affairs from the UK. The section offers advice, information and sometimes financial support to British and international journalists and is regularly in contact with a large number of Norwegian correspondents covering British affairs and Norwegian-British events.

Members of the section provide information and distribute and loan books, posters, photographs, videos, DVDs, CDs, brochures etc. The section is also providing Norway information to schools on all levels, like Look at Norway. The section is, together with the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh, responsible for "norway.org.uk" on the internet.

Enquiries to the Press, Information and Cultural Section can be made to:
Telephone: 020 7591 5500 (main switchboard)
Fax: 020 7591 5550
E-mail: presse.london@mfa.no or for enquiries concerning the Embassy's website or to subscribe to the Embassy's monthly newsletter, email web.london@mfa.no

Head of Press, Information and Cultural Affairs: Mr Stein Iversen
E-mail: sti@mfa.no

Deputy Head of Press, Information and Cultural Section: Mr Erland Flaterud
Fax: 020 7591 5548
E-mail: erf@mfa.no

Consular Section
The Embassy's Consular Section gives advice and assistance in matters such as issuing passports, granting visas and in legal matters regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, pensions, social security and paternity cases.

The Section is also responsible for all maritime affairs with respect to the Norwegian Ship Registers, the signing on and off of seamen on Norwegian-registered vessels, and maritime inquiries.

The Consular Section's opening hours are from 10.00 – 12.00 Monday to Friday.

You may also telephone the Consulate Section between 09.00-10.00 and 14.00-15.00. You are most likely to get through to a consular officer during the afternoon. The phone lines are closed on Friday 4 July 2008.

Telephone: 020 7591 5505
Fax: 020 7591 5547
E-mail: konsulat.london@mfa.no

Consul: Ms Trine Solem
Telephone: 020 7591 5500
E-mail: konsulat.london@mfa.no

Read more about the Consular Section's services here.

Administrative Section
The Administrative Section has responsibilities relating to budgeting, buildings and personnel.

Enquiries to the Administrative Section can be made to:
Telephone: 020 7591 5500 (main switchboard)
Fax: 020 7245 6993

Counsellor: Ms Gunn Karin Sommerstad
E-mail: gks@mfa.no

Administrative Officer: Ms Anne Margrethe Esmaeili
E-mail: anne.margrethe.esmaeili@mfa.no

Accountant: Mr Petter M. Ree
E-mail: petter.ree@mfa.no

Building and Facility Officer: Mr Odd B. Bjørvik
E-mail: odd.bjorvik@mfa.no

ICT Manager: Tonje Røed
E-mail: toro@mfa.no

Defence Attaché
The Defence Attaché covers UK and Irish defence issues of interest to Norway. The Defence Attaché also keeps the UK and Irish Defence authorities updated on Norwegian defence matters and policies. The office assists Norwegian military industry and is the point of contact regarding all visits to UK military establishments.

Defence Attaché: Colonel Jon Peder Ryste
Telephone: 020 7591 5540
Fax: 020 7591 5552
E-mail: jon.peder.ryste@mfa.no

Administrative Officer, Office of the Defence Attaché: Ms Guri Johanne Negarden
Telephone: 020 7591 5540
Fax: 020 7591 5552
E-mail: gjn@mfa.no

Office of the Police Attaché
The police- and customs authorities of the Nordic countries have established positions of police liaisons in London and other capitals to help combat international and organised crime with connections to the Nordic region. These liaisons represent the sending state within their area of responsibility. As part of this co-operation a Norwegian police officer is member of the Embassy's diplomatic staff with the title of police attaché.

Telephone: 020 7591 5500