Histrory
An honorary Norwegian Consulate was established in Zagreb in 1923. In 1975 this Consulate was upgraded to a Consulate General. Norway recognised the Republic of Croatia's independence on 15th January 1992.
The first Norwegian Ambassador to Croatia was accredited from Budapest on the 27th of April 1992. From August 1992 to December 1996 the Embassy was led by a Chargé d'affaires living in Zagreb. The honorary Consulate General was closed 31st December 1993. On 13th May 1994 an honorary Consul was appointed in Rijeka. The first resident Ambassador of Norway to Croatia was accredited on 15th of January 1997.
In September 1991 Croatia opened an information office in Oslo. In August 1993 the Croatian Embassy in Oslo was established under the leadership of a Chargé d'affaires and with the Croatian Ambassador in Copenhagen accredited in Oslo. The first resident Croatian Ambassador to Norway arrived in September 1998.
Maritime affairs have always been at centre stage in the relationship between Norway and Croatia. Many Norwegian ships have been built at Croatian shipyards. Croatian officers are serving in the Norwegian merchant marine. In recent years refugee questions and other humanitarian issues have also been at the forefront. Political change and democratic developments in Croatia in 2000 paved the way for increased economic co-operation and high level political contacts between the two countries. In 2007 Norway's economic support to Croatia will amount to NOK 30 Million (EUR 3,7 mill.).
Mandate
An important task for the Embassy is to follow the development of domestic and foreign affairs in Croatia. Of particular interest is the bilateral relation between Croatia and Norway and the bilateral cooperation which focuses on Croatia's Euro-Atlantic integration processes. The main dialogue partner is the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the co-operation also includes other ministries and government agencies. The Embassy provides a link between Norwegian central authorities and international organisations present in Croatia.
The Embassy also deals with other issues of particular interest to Norway, such as petroleum and energy questions, environmental issues, development co-operation and maritime affairs. Furthermore, the Embassy supports civil society projects through it's embassy fund amounted to approximately EUR 180 000 yearly.
The Embassy gives assistance in consular matters to Norwegian and Croatian citizens. The Embassy is also the main contact point for private business and trade.