Russia declared a protest to Norway in connection with the detention in this country of the Russian deputy trade representative, RIA Novosti reported referring to the Russian embassy in Oslo.

"We have lodged a protest from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in connection with the violation of diplomat status," the embassy said in a comment posted on Facebook by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The diplomatic mission noted that "Russia, of course, will make their own conclusions."

Earlier Norway reported the arrest of a 50-year-old man suspected of transmitting state secrets who allegedly met with a Russian intelligence officer. According to this information, he was detained in Oslo on 15 August. He is charged with transferring information to a foreign state that could harm the fundamental interests of Norway. He could face up to 15 years in prison.