January 17, 2025

Issue #24

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 January 16, Norway and the U.S. signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), which will facilitate the launch of U.S. launchers and satellites from Andøya Spaceport.

"This is a significant agreement for Norwegian security. Space activity is becoming more important for defense cooperation, and Andøya is of great value for Norway as well as for our allies. Norway has a leading role in space technology in the Arctic, and through this agreement, we enhance our important cooperation with the U.S. and NATO at Andøya," commented Bjørn Arild Gram, the Norwegian Minister of Defense.

To read more, click here.

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

On January 16, Ambassador Huitfeldt hosted a lunch focused around the importance of research, especially with regard to collective international research efforts.

The guests included leadership of the Kavli Foundation (Cynthia Friend and Kathie Bailey), representatives from Johns Hopkins University (Nobel Prize winner Peter Agre and Ona Ambrozaite), and recipients of the Norwegian King's Medal of Merit (Sharon Hrynkow and Kathie Olsen). Thanks to all for the thought-provoking and productive conversation!

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

The Embassy welcomed a group of students from the College of William & Mary on January 15. They were visiting Washington, D.C. as part of their government class, through which they are exploring diplomacy’s critical role in fostering trust between nations.

We had so much fun talking to them about Norway and answering their insightful questions. (What is the day-to-day experience of being a diplomat like? Why isn't Norway in the European Union? What is Norway's role in the Arctic Council?) Thanks for stopping by!

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

In 2025, we are commemorating the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration. Our friends at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa, have some exciting things planned, including calendars, blog posts, YouTube videos, and more. Their new exhibit, “200 Years of Norwegians in America,” will be on view through January 31, 2026. Click here to learn more.

The Embassy will continue to keep you updated as we celebrate this anniversary in various ways throughout 2025.

Photo: Vesterheim