Viking Magazine - August 2020 - 46

Ambassador's Insights
Seven Years as Norway's Ambassador
BY AMBASSADOR KÅRE R. AAS
I
have served as Norway's Ambassador
to the United States for the past
seven years. It has been a privilege
and an honor to work every day on
further developing the already excellent
relationship between our two countries.
In a few weeks I will leave Washington,
D.C., and move on to new challenges.
It is a strange time to end my tenure
here in the United States, as the whole
world since late winter has been
challenged by a health crisis the likes of
which we have not seen in our lifetimes.
It affects us all profoundly. It impacts
our economy and way of life to such an
extent that I believe we will never really
return to our old ways in all respects.
Let me reflect on a few issues that
come to mind as particularly important
after these years.
The strong friendship between our
countries is founded on a common
history and shared values, contributing
to our common security. In Afghanistan
and Iraq, Norwegian and American
soldiers are standing shoulder to
shoulder on the ground, working
together to train, advise and support
46 VIKING AUGUST 2020
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Afghan and Iraqi security forces as part
of a broader effort toward political
stability and economic recovery.
Ever since Norway's independence
in 1905, the relations between Norway
and the United States have created a
wealth of economic opportunities for
both countries. Norwegian companies
provide expertise and advanced
technological solutions in sectors such
as shipping, consulting, energy, seafood
and defense, and Norway also provides
a good marketplace for American
companies to do business. A report
prepared by the Norwegian Embassy
shows that trade with and investments
from Norway support almost half a
million jobs across the United States.
One of my primary roles as Norway's
Ambassador to the United States has
been to make sure that the strong
relationship between our countries
continues to grow and that we find
new areas to cooperate. An experience
that still resonates strongly with me
was our unique collaboration in 2013
to transport chemical materials out
of Syria and destroy them in order
to prevent their future use against
the Syrian population. The close
cooperation with the US in order to
make the implementation of the Iran
nuclear agreement possible is another
highlight-which involved Norway
taking the lead in transporting enriched
uranium out of Iran. Norway and the
United States enjoy a long-standing
cooperation in the field of conflict
resolution, based on our shared view
that inclusive political settlements are
key to peace and stability. Working with
American colleagues to try to contribute
to progress in the peace processes in
Colombia and Afghanistan has been a
particular honor.
Norway is deeply involved in
oceans issues, which have featured
prominently on the Embassy agenda.
There is an urgent need for sustainable
oceans solutions, and Norway has a
lot to contribute. I have spent a lot
of my time talking to stakeholders
in government and the private sector
about climate policy, and achieving
practical cooperation to advance our
common efforts. One example would
be the state-level cooperation on
electrification of transport services.
I always say that I represent 5
million Norwegians living in Norway
and 5 million Norwegian Americans
living here in the United States. I have
been amazed by the enthusiasm and
friendship of Norwegian Americans
all over this country. I have travelled
frequently to meet many of you, all
over the Midwest, in Washington state
and elsewhere. My travels have taken
me to all corners of this country to
experience the diversity in landscapes,
people and the issues they care about. I
have immensely enjoyed the wonderful
May 17 celebrations I have been
welcomed to.
The work done by Norwegian
American organizations and friends
in the United States is of immense
value to Norway and to the Embassy.
Norwegian culture, history and
language have a life here through
this work! Being an ambassador is
all about meeting people and making
friends. What a true joy it has been
to make so many friends in the
United States. May our paths cross
again! In the meantime, I will think
back upon these seven years with a
special sense of pride in what we have
achieved together, for Norway and for
Norwegian-American relations.
PHOTO BY BECCA DILLEY
http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - August 2020

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