FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Issue #7
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. |
Two Years of Russia's Illegal War in Ukraine |
Norway continues to condemn Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. Russia must end its hostilities and withdraw its forces immediately and unconditionally from Ukraine's territory within its internationally recognized borders. Russia's attack on Ukraine is a clear breach of the UN Charter and international law.
Russia’s war brings death and suffering upon millions of Ukrainians. Norway remains resolute in its unwavering support for Ukraine and its citizens, and it will stand with them for as long as it takes. The determination of President Zelenskyy, soldiers, civilians, and all the men and women of Ukraine to defend their country and freedom continues to impress the world.
We stand firmly with our allies and partners in response to Russia’s war. One important way Norway supports Ukraine is through the multi-year Nansen Program. Support ranges from donations of air-defense missiles to funding for health workers’ and teachers’ salaries. These contributions are important both for Ukraine’s fight to defend itself and for the everyday lives of Ukrainians. To learn more, click here.
Photo credit: Norway in Geneva |
H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon to Visit U.S. |
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon will pay an official visit to the U.S. West Coast from April 15 to 18. He will go to San Francisco and Seattle, where he will focus on cooperation between Norway and the United States.
The U.S. is one of Norway's most important partners in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a smooth green transition. The states of California and Washington are especially relevant partners for Norwegian companies in the fields of energy, green transport, and technology development. The two states also host some of the world's largest and most influential technology companies.
His Royal Highness will be joined by Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Digitalization and Public Governance Karianne Tung, and State Secretary Astrid Bergmål from the Ministry of Energy. A Norwegian business delegation will also participate in the visit.
To learn more, see this press release (text in Norwegian). Photo credit: Jørgen Gomnæs/Det kongelige hoff |
Model UN Students Spend Morning at the Embassy |
Model UN students from far (the Philippines) and near (Northern Virginia) stopped by the Embassy on Friday, February 16, to learn about Norwegian policy and diplomacy. The high-school students took a Kahoot! quiz to see how much they already knew, heard from several Embassy employees, and asked many interesting and insightful questions. A group photo (above) was taken to finish off the morning.
In addition, college students from Lakeland Community College and Cleveland State University visited on Thursday, February 15. The group was part of a Model NATO team participating in the International Model NATO Conference. They were given a briefing by an Embassy diplomat, who also answered questions and advised the students. Photo credit: The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. |
Rolf Einar Fife Shares Perspectives in D.C. |
On Wednesday, February 21, we were lucky enough to welcome Rolf Einar Fife, a special advisor at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with extensive experience in international law and diplomacy. Fife currently serves as the Nordic member of the United Nations International Law Commission for the period 2023–27. Previously, he was the Ambassador of Norway to the European Union and to France.
Fife's day began with an address to the employees at the Norwegian Embassy before heading to a seminar at the the Wilson Center. There, Fife spoke about the legal frameworks regarding seabed infrastructure and the challenges and opportunities within this landscape.
In the afternoon, Fife held a lecture at the George Washington University Law School. The topic was democracy, authoritarianism, and the importance of the rule of law in such matters. He also answered questions from students about upcoming elections, democratic backsliding, and pressing global issues.
Photo credit: The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. |
Norwegian Victories at Cross-Country World Cup |
This month, the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup (or Stifel Loppet Cup) was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was the first cross-country world cup race to be held on U.S. soil in twenty years. Among the winners were a number of Norwegians!
Kristine Stavås Skistad finished third in the women's F Sprint. In the men's category, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo took first place, followed in third by fellow Norwegian Håvard Solås Taugbøl. Meanwhile, in the men's F 10KM Individual, American Gus Schumacher was the first-place winner, followed by Norwegians Harald Østberg Amundsen (second) and Pål Golberg (third). A true example of our bilateral relationship! American Jessie Diggins also placed, taking third in the women's category.
Congratulations to all! Photo: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo at the 2019 Cross-Country World Cup Final pursuit race in Quebec City, Canada. Credit: Wikimedia, Fil.Al, Comox, Canada. |
Upcoming Shows by Norwegian Artists |
Two Norwegian artists, Bernhoft and girl in red, are currently touring the United States. Both will soon be visiting Washington, D.C., as well as various other U.S. locations. See below for their touring schedules; tickets can be purchased through the links to their websites.
Bernhoft March 13 – Chicago, IL March 17 – Washington, D.C. March 19 – Philadelphia, PA March 20 – New York, NY March 21 – Boston, MA April 3 – Seattle, WA April 4 – Portland, OR April 6 – San Francisco, CA April 7 – Sacramento, CA April 8 – Santa Cruz, CA April 10 – West Hollywood, CA Photo credit: The Atlantis, Washington, D.C. girl in red April 16 – Boston, MA April 17-18 – Philadelphia, PA April 20-21 – Washington, D.C. April 24-25 – New York, NY
April 27 – Chicago, IL April 28 – Madison, WI May 2 – Detroit, MI May 4 – Atlanta, GA
May 5-6 – Nashville, TN May 20-21 – Seattle, WA May 23 – Magna, UT May 25 – Morrison, CO
May 28 – Del Mar, CA May 29-30 – Los Angeles, CA June 1 – Oakland, CA June 2 – San Francisco, CA |
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