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FARGO – In her first visit to the state with the highest percentage of citizens with Norwegian heritage, Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Krutnes spent the day in Fargo on Friday.
Krutnes was invited to North Dakota by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), to highlight the state’s Norwegian heritage and economic strength, and discuss defense and national security policies between the two countries.
During a luncheon at the Fargo Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge and a coffee social at First Lutheran Church, Cramer and Krutnes emphasized the importance of allies and the long friendship shared by the United States and Norway.
Referencing Krutnes’ previous remarks about “flying together” as Norway’s F-35 fighter jets escort flights of the B-52s out of Minot Air Force Base in joint deterrence against Russian aggression, Cramer said, “A main message we should embrace between our countries is ‘We fly together.’ As friends and allies for decades, by standing together in every aspect of our shared industry, culture and heritage, we are always stronger.”
Noting that the United States and Norway were charter members of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) Krutnes said, “Norway considers the United States to be our most important ally. We take this relationship very seriously. While we celebrate our shared culture, heritage and values, even more important is our mutual commitment to world peace.”
They discussed their commitment to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. “A Russian bully willing to take out one neighbor will not hesitate to take out another,” said Cramer, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Congressional Friends of Norway Caucus. “That’s why we must support Ukraine in stopping its invasion by Russia.”
Krutnes said Norway provides weapons and financial support to Ukraine, and today became one of several NATO allies to sign a 10-year agreement to support Ukraine.
More defense issues were highlighted in a visit to the 119th Wing of the North Dakota National Guard, where they received a briefing on the role of the “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo.
Her visit concluded with a public reception at the Marcus West Acres Cinema prior to the Fargo premiere of the Norwegian film, “Songs of Earth” that evening.
The 200th anniversary of the first Norwegians to immigrate to America will be observed in 2025. Friday’s visit to Fargo culminated a week of activities for the Ambassador, which included stops in Minot and Bismarck. After participating in the Fargo Marathon 10K on Saturday, she is traveling to South Dakota.
“Today’s program truly captured the strong ties between Norway and the U.S., from security to trade and tourism to culture and people-to-people relations,” said Krutnes. “As Norway’s ambassador, I am privileged to be able to meet so many Norwegian-Americans who celebrate their heritage. I rarely encounter traditional Norwegian cuisine on my travels across the U.S., so I’d like to thank the Sons of Norway and members of First Lutheran Church for the delicacies, including homemade cardamom ice cream. I also want to thank Senator Cramer and his team for inviting me here. I value the chance to learn and hear from you, and to share more about Norway and our priorities.”