Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg will reportedly meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, April 25.
The agenda will include discussions on NATO, the war in Ukraine, global trade, and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Global uncertainty calls for a meeting with Jonas Gahr Støre, Jens Stoltenberg, and Donald Trump
The visit comes as geopolitical tensions rise, and Norway is seeking to reinforce its ties with the United States.
“The United States is our most important ally. In a turbulent and demanding security policy time, the close contact between our two countries is very important,” Støre said in a press release, cited by VG.
It will be the first face-to-face meeting between Støre and Trump, though they have previously spoken by phone, according to VG.
Both VG and Reuters confirm that the leaders will talk about security, NATO, and the war in Ukraine, alongside economic topics.
“Norway and the United States cooperate in a number of areas, and the United States is an important trading partner for Norway. I look forward to talking about areas where we can cooperate even more closely in the future,” said Støre.
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, in Washington for a World Bank meeting, has also been invited to the White House.
“It is useful to discuss issues where there may be different views between Europe and the United States. This can contribute to increased understanding and to finding common solutions,” said Stoltenberg. (Cited by VG.)
Trump tariffs, trade tensions, and economic ties
The meeting will also touch on economic friction. As Reuters reported, the Trump administration recently introduced a 15 per cent tariff on Norwegian imports, though that rate has now been lowered to 10 per cent for a 90-day period. Støre has previously stated that Norway would not retaliate.
“Some of the unpredictability we have seen with Trump, which is his characteristic and method, we must now learn to live with and try to handle, so that it does not create situations that go against our interests,” said Støre in January.
Stoltenberg mentioned Norway’s importance to the U.S. economy, referencing the country’s significant investment in American businesses through the sovereign wealth fund.
“The fact that the US President invites me as the Norwegian Prime Minister to a meeting in the White House is also a clear expression that the United States views Norway as an important partner,” said Støre. (Cited by VG.)
With transatlantic security and trade both under pressure, this Thursday’s meeting could prove vital for keeping Norway and the U.S. civil.
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