The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Norway has expressed regret over Venezuela’s decision to close its embassy in Oslo just days after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Venezuela announced the closure on Monday, citing a restructuring of its foreign service.
The embassy in Australia was also shut down, while new diplomatic outposts were opened in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso.
However, no specific reason was given for the Oslo closure, and Venezuelan authorities have not officially commented on Machado’s Nobel recognition.
“It is regrettable. Despite our differences on several issues, Norway wishes to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela and will continue to work in this direction,” said Cecilie Roang, MFA spokeswoman, according to AFP.
Independent decision
Roang further emphasised that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee and is not a decision made by the Norwegian government.
The 2025 prize was given to Machado for her peaceful efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela.
Nevertheless, Roang re-affirmed her ministry’s commitment to promoting democratic values and supporting peaceful dialogue in the South American region.
Norway will thus continue to operate its embassy in Caracas while encouraging the Venezuelan government to uphold open diplomatic channels.
Consular matters for Venezuelans in Norway are to be handled by Venezuela’s embassy in Stockholm.
Meanwhile, Machado dedicated her Nobel to the “suffering people of Venezuela” and to US President Donald Trump, citing his “decisive support of our cause”.
In addition, AFP added: “On Monday night, [Machado] called for an investigation after two Venezuelan activists were shot and wounded in Bogota, Colombia.”
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