"In Norway, we have always believed in the power of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and build bridges between nations"

The statement expresses a national ethos shaped by geography, history, and political culture: a small, outward-facing country that has learned to magnify its influence through conversation, credibility, and convening power. Dialogue is framed not as weakness but as a strategic asset; diplomacy is not passive, it is the work of patiently building channels that reduce misunderstanding, create off-ramps from escalation, and allow principles to be upheld without foreclosing solutions.

Norway’s tradition of facilitation illustrates this approach. From hosting the Oslo channel between Israelis and Palestinians to supporting peace processes in Colombia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, Norwegian diplomacy invests in trust over time, often through quiet, technically competent work behind the scenes. The emphasis is on inclusion, listening, and allowing parties to save face while moving toward concrete commitments. Such efforts rely on perceived impartiality, consistency, and a readiness to underwrite reconciliation with humanitarian aid, institution-building, and post-conflict support.

Bridge-building extends beyond ceasefires. It involves linking security, development, and human rights; sustaining multilateral norms through the United Nations and regional forums; and treating cooperation on climate, the Arctic, and maritime issues as peace infrastructure. It also reflects a domestic culture of consensus, coalition governance, social partnership, and respect for rule of law, which shapes how Norwegian leaders approach external disputes.

Crucially, belief in dialogue coexists with deterrence and defense. Keeping channels open does not excuse aggression; it manages risk, signals red lines, and preserves space for de-escalation. Talking to adversaries does not reward them; it reduces miscalculation and tests whether interests can be aligned without abandoning values.

The assertion is ultimately pragmatic and ethical: durable peace arises when people are heard, interests are recognized, and institutions are crafted to channel conflict into politics rather than violence. In a turbulent world, building bridges is both moral commitment and hard-nosed statecraft, a way for a small nation to make the international system a bit safer, steadier, and more humane.