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 head Jens Stoltenberg said he will temporarily leave his position as chair of the Munich Security Conference because he has accepted a position as Norway's finance minister.