Former Statoil Director Appointed Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

Norway is consolidating its ties with energy major Statoil, appointing Børge Brende as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new Government.

“Brende has informed that he will resign from his position as member of the board of directors in Statoil … with immediate effect,” reads a note released by the company on Wednesday.

Erna Solberg, Conservative leader and future prime minister, will take the helm of the country. She won the elections expressing her intention to sell its stake in Statoil and promote changes in the energy market. 

Experts foresee that the country will pave the way to more competition in the national gas market. This would be part of a broader change of direction in national energy policies. Brende’s appointment could be an indication in this sense.