The Office of the Prime Minister is the central office of the Council of State and the Government. It is charged with preparing, carrying out and following up the meetings of the Council of State with the King. The office maintains the formal contact between the Government and the Storting, and coordinates the participation of the ministers in the Storting's debates and question times. The office assists the Prime Minister in leading and coordinating the work of the Government, also by preparing, carrying out and following up government conferences.