Norway to Close Embassies in Uganda and China, Increase Staffing at Other Missions

Norway has announced its decision to close its embassies in Kampala, Uganda, and the Consulate General in Guangzhou, China. The closure will take effect in 2024, and the diplomatic staff from these missions will be redirected to increase staffing at other Norwegian embassies and consular missions. This move comes as part of a larger process to prioritize and optimize Norwegian foreign and development policy objectives.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, the closure of these embassies does not mean a discontinuation of Norwegian aid to the affected countries or a decrease in focus on the rights of women and minorities. The decision was made based on an assessment of the overall resources of the Norwegian Foreign Service. In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial for Norway to have diplomats stationed where they can effectively monitor global issues and promote Norwegian positions. However, it is also important to continually evaluate and determine the most strategic locations for maintaining a presence in order to safeguard Norwegian interests most effectively.

To strengthen efforts in priority areas such as food security, business development, and regional security in Africa, more diplomatic staff will be posted to Norwegian embassies in Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, and Nairobi. Additionally, a new diplomatic position will be established in the Embassy in Beirut, dedicated to aid work in Syria.

The closure of diplomatic missions inevitably impacts employees, and the Norwegian government recognizes this. Steps will be taken to ensure that the needs and rights of all affected staff members are adequately safeguarded. However, the government also acknowledges the responsibility to utilize resources efficiently and effectively. The decision to close missions in certain places is necessary to increase staffing in multiple missions where the need is greater.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working on solutions to maintain Norway’s diplomatic representation in Burundi and Rwanda, which were previously represented in Kampala. Starting in 2024, the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing and the General Consulate in Shanghai will take over the tasks currently carried out by the Consulate General in Guangzhou. This reallocation of resources aims to create fewer, but more robust foreign service missions for Norway’s diplomatic endeavors.