General Jens Stoltenberg has returned to government in his native Norway as finance minister, months before a national election.

Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who became Norway's new finance minister on Tuesday, said engaging with the Trump administration on trade was key to avoiding tariffs as Europe braces for a potential transatlantic trade war.

Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was named Norway’s new finance minister, taking on the role as Europe prepares for a global trade upheaval that will test transatlantic relations.