November 1, 2024

Issue #21

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.

Though the weather in D.C. might trick you into thinking it was still summer, last week involved a number of meetings revolving around the Arctic, one of Norway's biggest priorities. Its security, sustainability, and the quality of life for its people is among Norway’s top priorities. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation with our partners in the Arctic.

Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt and colleagues met and lunched with Arctic Ambassador Morten Høglund, Norway's Section for Arctic and Antarctic Affairs Director Birgitte Hygen, Heather A. Conley and Sophie Arts of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and Sherri Goodman of the Wilson Center's Polar Institute.

Later, the Ambassador welcomed newly appointed U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Mike Sfraga (pictured). She also discussed Arctic issues, including security, with Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman. Another meeting in which security policy took center stage was her meeting with Alina Polyakova and Catherine Sendak at the Center for European Policy Analysis.

In addition, the week marked the World Bank's annual meetings, which Norway's Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and Development Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim flew in to attend. They visited the Embassy for dinner with our employees, journalists, and Norwegian politician Ketil Solvik-Olsen. Ambassador Huitfeldt also accompanied the Finance Minister to the Norwegian-American Defense & Homeland Security Industry Council, where he met with representatives from Norwegian companies Norsk Hydro, Teledyne FLIR, and KONGSBERG.

To learn more about various roles Norwegians take on within the World Bank, click here.

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

Last week, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth (right) visited Washington, D.C. Her program included visiting Norwegian defense industry companies at the annual exhibition of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and meetings with Norwegian energy companies, including Equinor, Norsk Hydro, and DNV.

She also participated in bilateral meetings at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Security Council, and was part of a

roundtable discussion with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on how to further Norwegian-American trade cooperation.

At the Norwegian Embassy, she attended the annual Norway Means Business event (see our previous issue) and provided a keynote address focused on Norway’s role in supplying the defense and technology sectors with critical minerals. Finally, she attended a dinner with representatives from Politico and CNN, as well as with Ambassador Huitfeldt.

We thank Minister Myrseth for her visit, and we hope to welcome her again soon!

Photo: Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Our Norwegian employees seized the chance to celebrate Halloween the American way this year! Thursday's work day featured slightly more interesting outfits than usual – as well as a video starring our interns, Håkon and Marie. We hope you and your families enjoyed the holiday!

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

In just over a month, it will be time to celebrate the 28th annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting at Union Station!

If you live near or in Washington, D.C., we ask you to save the date for Tuesday, December 10. A consortium of partners (the Norwegian Embassy, NorCham, Washington Performing Arts, and Union Station) will present the annual Norwegian Christmas tree. The event will feature musical performances, including one by a Norwegian artist, as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. All are welcome, and bringing children is encouraged!

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