November 15, 2024

Issue #22

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 November 18, the Embassy and the Peterson Institute for International Economics had the pleasure of welcoming Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norwegian Bank Investment Management (NBIM), to a reception and fireside chat with Andy Posen.

Norway has the world's largest sovereign wealth fund: the Government Pension Fund Global, which is currently at about $1.8 trillion. Over 50 percent of that is invested in the United States. The fund owns about 1.5 percent of all listed companies globally.

Mr. Tangen dove into how the fund is organized and how Norges Bank prioritizes its investments. To see a video of his presentation, click here. (Please note that this video will only be available for a limited time.)

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

After last week's election, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre congratulated President-Elect Donald Trump on his victory.

"The U.S. is Norway’s most important ally, and we work closely together in many areas. I look forward to continuing our cooperation with the U.S. under Mr. Trump’s leadership," said Prime Minister Støre. "The fundamentals remain unchanged: U.S. involvement is essential to addressing global challenges, and Norway seeks to further develop the excellent relations between our two countries, and these rest on a firm foundation of long-term common interests."

To read more, click here.

This week, Prime Minister Støre and the new President-Elect had the chance to talk. "A good conversation with Donald Trump about the close relationship between the U.S. and Norway, and the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East," the Prime Minister tweeted on the X social media platform.

Photo: Adobe Stock

On Friday, we hosted our annual Veterans Day Reception here at the Embassy, together with the American Veterans Center. More than 250 guests participated, including veterans who have fought bravely for the United States going all the way back to World War 2.

The guests included military cadets from various academies and universities, including the United States Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy at West Point, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Penn State University, the University of Virginia, the University of Miami, Bowling Green State University, the University of Rochester, and more.

In addition, Ambassador Huitfeldt had a meaningful conversation with Holocaust survivors Noemi and Tibor Spitz.

This Veterans Day event has become a much-loved tradition, and we are already looking forward to next year.

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

On November 10, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Norwegian delegation at the F-35 Joint Program Office hosted a reception for the multinational team. From the Embassy, Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt and Defense Attaché Rear Admiral Ole Morten Sandquist both attended. The Ambassador gave brief remarks, as did Program Executive Officer U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt. Thank you for a great event!

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

December 6-8: The Sons of Norway Christmas Festival at Norway House (3846 Meredith Dr., Fairfax, VA). The event will feature Nordic food, a fjord horse, Norwegian lundehunds, Viking-era craft demonstrations, and plenty of shopping. Timed entry reservations are requested for indoor shopping to avoid overcrowding. Click here to sign up.

December 10: It's almost time to celebrate the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting at Union Station! Please save the date (more details will be forthcoming). A consortium of partners (the Norwegian Embassy, NorCham, Washington Performing Arts, and Union Station) will present the tree. The event will feature musical performances, including one by a Norwegian artist, as well as a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children are welcome!

Photo: The Sons of Norway, Washington Lodge