Norway to join French-led nuclear deterrence initiative

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Wednesday that Norway will join French President Emmanuel Macron's nuclear deterrence initiative, while stressing that the decision will not change Norway's basic policy on nuclear weapons, reported Xinhua.

Store traveled to Paris on Wednesday for talks with Macron. Speaking to Norwegian media, he said Norway's decision was based on the current security situation in Europe and that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security.

Store also emphasized that Norway's nuclear weapons policy remains unchanged. Norway will not allow nuclear weapons to be stationed on its territory in peacetime, he said, adding that Norway will not contribute financially to France's nuclear weapons program.

In March, Macron announced plans to strengthen France's nuclear arsenal by increasing the number of nuclear warheads. He also said France was prepared to add "a European dimension" to its nuclear deterrence strategy, noting that several European countries, including Britain, had expressed interest in the initiative.

Later on Wednesday, Norway and France signed a new defense agreement in Paris, under which the two countries commit themselves to providing military support to each other if needed.