WASHINGTON, 18 November 2021, (TON): Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Norwegian Minister of Defence Odd Roger Enoksen at the Pentagon to reaffirm the United States as a committed ally to Norway.

The two leaders discussed deepening the long-standing defense ties between the United States and Norway, and underscored the importance of NATO unity, common approaches to arms control, addressing shared security challenges in the High North, and global D-ISIS operations. 

They also discussed concerns about Russia’s destabilizing actions in Ukraine and the need to maintain strategic stability.

The Secretary commended Norway’s contributions to global security operations, and highlighted the resolve and courage of Norway’s forces at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the evacuation from Afghanistan. 

He recognized Norway’s important role as NATO’s eyes and ears in the Arctic and thanked Minister Enoksen for hosting the equipment and periodic presence of U.S. Marines for the Marine Corps Preposition Program, Norway.