September 20, 2024

Issue #18

We hope you enjoy this brief look into recent developments in Norway and at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. If you are not subscribed but would like to be, please add your contact information to our Google Form. We also recommend following our social media accounts (links above).

Cover art: Haakon Lundkvist, VisitNorthwest.no.

On Wednesday, Ambassador Huitfeldt presented her Letter of Credence to the President of the United States.

In her remarks, she underlined the deep historical bonds that Norway and the U.S. share. Norway has long been NATO’s eyes and ears in the High North, and we have met NATO’s two-percent defense-spending target. Earlier this year, the Norwegian Parliament unanimously adopted a historic long-term defense-spending and investment plan for the Armed Forces. Over a period of 12 years, $60 billion of investments in more personnel and new capabilities will substantially increase our military capacity and presence in the air, on land, and at sea.

Foreign trade is the backbone of the Norwegian economy, and the U.S. is our most important trading partner outside Europe. Exports from the United States to Norway are increasing, with potential for even further growth. The transition to a green economy also opens up major economic opportunities for both Norway and the United States. 

In 2025, we will mark the bicentennial of the first organized voyage of migrants from Norway to the United States. Norwegians traveled across the Atlantic to settle in the United States in larger relative numbers than almost any other nation, second only to the Irish.

"It's an honor to be here representing Norway in the United States," said Ambassador Huitfeldt. "Our two nations stand together in defense of democracy, individual freedoms, human rights, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. I look forward to continuing our longstanding bilateral cooperation on the common challenges we face as allies. I will do my best to advance new cooperation in all the areas where our national interests align."

Photo: The White House

This week, the Norwegian Road Federation reported that electric vehicles (EVs) now outnumber their gas-powered counterparts in Norway. That makes Norway the first country in the world to achieve this milestone, which marks an important stage in the green transition.

“This is historic. A milestone few saw coming 10 years ago,” said OFV director Øyvind Solberg Thorsen. "The electrification of the fleet of passenger cars is going quickly, and Norway is thereby rapidly moving towards becoming the first country in the world with a passenger car fleet dominated by electric cars.”

To read more, click here.

Photo: Maverix Media/Innovation Norway

Last week marked Ambassador Huitfeldt’s first series of meetings on Capitol Hill. First, she talked with North Dakota’s Senator Kevin Cramer about the importance of strong allies for common security, as well as Representative Kelly Armstrong (who is co-chair of the congressional Friends of Norway Caucus).

Then, the Ambassador spent some time with Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski – a true friend of Arctic cooperation between Norway and the United States. She also spoke with Washington state’s Representative Rick Larsen, who shared that his great-grandfather originally came from Balsfjord, Norway.

Finally, she ran into Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who invited the Ambassador to visit the great state of Maryland — which she hopes to do soon.

Photo: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Norwegian alt-pop duo Ask Carol has embarked on their U.S. tour! For a full list of locations and dates, click here.

In addition, the singer AURORA will be bringing her own alt-pop act to the U.S. this November and December. A list of locations and dates is available on her website.

Photo: Ask Carol/Stian Andersen