Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg will reportedly meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the White Home on Thursday, April 25.
The agenda will embody discussions on NATO, the battle in Ukraine, international commerce, and strengthening financial cooperation between the 2 international locations.
International uncertainty requires a gathering with Jonas Gahr Støre, Jens Stoltenberg, and Donald Trump
The go to comes as geopolitical tensions rise, and Norway is in search of to bolster its ties with america.
“The USA is our most necessary ally. In a turbulent and demanding safety coverage time, the shut contact between our two international locations is essential,” Støre stated in a press launch, cited by VG.
It will likely be the primary face-to-face assembly between Støre and Trump, although they’ve beforehand spoken by cellphone, in keeping with VG.
Each VG and Reuters verify that the leaders will discuss safety, NATO, and the battle in Ukraine, alongside financial matters.
“Norway and america cooperate in quite a lot of areas, and america is a crucial buying and selling accomplice for Norway. I look ahead to speaking about areas the place we are able to cooperate much more carefully sooner or later,” stated Støre.
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, in Washington for a World Financial institution assembly, has additionally been invited to the White Home.
“It’s helpful to debate points the place there could also be completely different views between Europe and america. This may contribute to elevated understanding and to discovering widespread options,” stated Stoltenberg. (Cited by VG.)
Trump tariffs, commerce tensions, and financial ties
The assembly will even contact on financial friction. As Reuters reported, the Trump administration just lately launched a 15 per cent tariff on Norwegian imports, although that fee has now been lowered to 10 per cent for a 90-day interval. Støre has beforehand acknowledged that Norway wouldn’t retaliate.
“A few of the unpredictability now we have seen with Trump, which is his attribute and methodology, we should now be taught to reside with and attempt to deal with, in order that it doesn’t create conditions that go towards our pursuits,” stated Støre in January.
Stoltenberg talked about Norway’s significance to the U.S. economic system, referencing the nation’s important funding in American companies via the sovereign wealth fund.
“The truth that the US President invitations me because the Norwegian Prime Minister to a gathering within the White Home can be a transparent expression that america views Norway as an necessary accomplice,” stated Støre. (Cited by VG.)
With transatlantic safety and commerce each beneath strain, this Thursday’s assembly might show important for conserving Norway and the U.S. civil.
View all information from Norway.