Norway and France to boost defence cooperation

Defence ministers from Norway and France meet in Oslo to sign an agreement

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu sits next to Norwegian Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram as he visits him for political meetings about the Norwegian defense industry at Akershus Fortress, in Oslo, Norway, Jan 16, 2025. NTB/Fredrik Varfjell via REUTERS

Norway and France have signed a letter of intent to expand and strengthen their defence and security policy cooperation, the Norwegian defence ministry said on Thursday.

Norway's Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram and French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu met in Oslo to sign the agreement.

The two countries plan enhanced cooperation on exercises and training in Norway and will work together to counter hybrid threats to critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and energy supply lines, the Norwegian ministry said in a statement.

The two ministers also discussed enhanced defence materiel cooperation, Norway said.