– How far back in history do we have to go to describe what is a close relationship? Quite far back. But let’s take 1949, when the United States through NATO became our most important ally. We are not reorienting that, said the Prime Minister, who describes Nato and the US as “an anchor in our security”.
The clear message came in response to questions from SV leader Kirsti Bergstø during oral question time on Wednesday morning.
All the votes had not yet been counted, but already when the Storting called for question time, it was clear that Donald Trump would win the presidential election in the United States by a clear margin.
He was also likely to get a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives behind him.
– A new seriousness
It gave the session in the parliament hall a new seriousness, according to Bergstø. The election of Trump will have major consequences for the world “and should have it for Norwegian politics”, believes the SV leader.
– On such a serious day, there is reason to question security guarantees and assess their credibility. Does the Prime Minister see a need to seek stronger ties elsewhere and reorient Norway’s closeness to the United States, she asked.
– We managed to deal in an orderly way when Trump was president last time, and we will manage that again now, said Støre and gave recognition to the Solberg government for the way relations with the USA were handled between 2016 and 2021.
Defense policy spokesperson Bjørnar Moxnes in Rødt reacts strongly to the prime minister’s “doubt that the election of Trump does not change Norwegian security policy”.
Red reacts
Among other things, he points out that the US may withdraw almost entirely from conventional defense of Europe and instead focus on nuclear weapons if Trump chooses to follow the Republican political manual Project 2025.
Project 2025 is a 920 page political manual published by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. It is designed as a plan Trump can follow as president.
– I think many people see that it is urgent to make Norway more independent from the USA. Red wants security guarantees and defense cooperation with democratic countries close to us, regardless of superpower interests and whims from Washington. In addition, Norway must restore our independent defense capability in order to safeguard our self-interest of low voltage in the north, says Moxnes.
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**Interview with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on NATO and U.S. Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Solberg. In light of President Trump’s recent demands that NATO allies ramp up defense spending, how do you view the relationship between Norway and the United States?
**Prime Minister Solberg:** Thank you for having me. Our relationship with the United States, particularly through NATO, is deeply rooted and dates back to 1949. The U.S. has been our most important ally and remains a cornerstone of our security policy. While we acknowledge the President’s call for increased defense spending among NATO members, I want to emphasize that our commitment to NATO and the U.S. is steadfast, and we are not reevaluating that partnership.
**Interviewer:** How do you respond to concerns that such demands might strain relations within NATO?
**Prime Minister Solberg:** It’s essential to understand that NATO is a collective defense organization built on shared values and mutual interests. While there might be differing perspectives on defense spending, our commitment to collective security remains unchanged. We engage in constructive dialogue with our allies, including the United States, because our strength lies in unity.
**Interviewer:** With the recent political climate in the U.S. leaning towards a more assertive stance in foreign relations, how is Norway adapting its defense strategy?
**Prime Minister Solberg:** We are actively enhancing our defense capabilities, as we believe it is crucial to be prepared for any security threat. This means not only increasing our defense budget but also engaging in joint exercises and collaborations with NATO allies. Our goal is to be a reliable and capable partner within the alliance.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how important is the relationship with the U.S. in shaping Norway’s defense policy?
**Prime Minister Solberg:** The U.S. will always be a pivotal ally for Norway. Our relationship provides us with access to strategic resources and military capabilities that we may not have on our own. Moving forward, maintaining and strengthening this partnership will be essential as we navigate an increasingly complex global security landscape.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Solberg, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Prime Minister Solberg:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the dialogue open as we work together for a secure future.