Jonas Gahr Støre used the few seconds he spoke with President Donald Trump – here in this picture – to say that Trump must not forget Ukraine.
In a short digital press conference with the Norwegian press after the Gaza summit on Monday evening, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that the mood among the more than 20 heads of state was greatly influenced by the release of the Israeli hostages.
“It was a very unusual meeting,” he said.
Heads of state and government from the region and from Europe met in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, where the US President acted as host and welcomed everyone.
The purpose of the summit was to sign a joint declaration that will consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
– We who met are all countries that support a more lasting peace, says Støre.
– What did you say to Trump when he greeted you at the televised press conference?
– I talked about the importance of what has happened today being built on going forward. And I said that it is now also important to focus on Ukraine. Trump is concerned that he has contributed to ending wars. I found reason to recognize him for that, said Støre
One of the things that is perhaps most vaguely expressed in Trump's 20-point plan is how and who will eventually govern Gaza.
– Are you concerned that Norway's participation here will give legitimacy to a development that does not safeguard the Palestinian people's ability to govern themselves, Støre?
– That is precisely one of Norway's most important points, said Støre.
– Here there must be a development that clearly goes in the direction of the Palestinians governing themselves. Strengthening the Palestinian institutions will be absolutely crucial.
Støre says that initially, a council with participants from the region will govern. And that it will be crucial to bring in people who have trust, but also the competence to provide emergency aid, health care and educational services.
– And there should be people with a Palestinian background who will be given greater responsibility, says Støre.
– What is happening in the West Bank is disturbing
Støre says that several of the state leaders at the meeting, including countries in the region, were very concerned that the West Bank should not be forgotten.
– It is crucial to secure the Palestinian population in the West Bank, who are under great pressure. What is happening there now is very disturbing, says Støre.
He also points out that there are many reefs in the sea when it comes to Gaza.
– There is a clear concern that violence could break out in Gaza in the near future. There are a lot of weapons in circulation and there are also Palestinian groups that are against each other. There is also tension in relation to Israel
Large roses USA
– I would like to pay tribute to the United States and Trump for laying the foundation for this breakthrough between Israel and Hamas. I would also like to acknowledge the countries in the region, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, for their important contributions. It is now absolutely crucial that all parties respect and follow up on the agreement, says Støre.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also accompanied Støre to Sharm El Sheikh.
Støre and Eide have had several bilateral talks with European leaders and leaders from the region during today's meeting in Egypt, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry reports.
Other participants at the summit included Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. As well as a number of international leaders, particularly from the Middle East. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted the meeting in Sharm-el-Sheikh.
– It is important that Norway is represented at this meeting. Our commitment to peace in the Middle East is broad, and Norway has long experience as the leader of the donor group for Palestine and as a political supporter of the Palestinian authorities. Norway also has long experience with humanitarian work, which we contribute to this process, says Støre.
Støre points out that those involved now face major tasks in the future.
– The road to lasting peace is still long. Israel's occupation must end in both Gaza and the West Bank, and arrangements must be made for Palestinian authorities to be able to govern all of Palestine. In the next phase, there are several important issues that must be addressed, not least the governance of Gaza. Norway will contribute where we can to stability, cooperation and reconstruction, says Støre.
Big confused
The international news agency Associated Press (AP) also confused Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre with Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Jonas Gahr Støre was not first in line when Donald Trump welcomed heads of state on the red carpet before the peace summit between Hamas and Israel in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
The heads of state came in a row to shake Trump's hand. Then the news agency AP got into trouble. For less than an hour, a photo of Trump's meeting with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has been out. The only problem is that the photo shows Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
It took over an hour and a half for the AP to post a picture of Støre.
The red carpet photo shoot kicked off the summit on Monday. In total, more than 20 heads of state and government are in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss Trump's 20-point peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
Neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor representatives from Hamas will be present. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be present. For unknown reasons.
The peace plan was launched on Monday with the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament that he was committed to peace with the agreement.
Do you dare to test yourself? See if you are better than the AP at correctly naming the state leaders.
Olav Olsen / Aftenposten
Who is this?
Evan Vucci / AP / NTB
Have you seen?! Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre!
This must be Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Who is this?
Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters / NTB
Who is this?
Suzanne Plunkett / AP / NTB
