NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to visit Norway for the first time

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik are also participating in the trip. The Secretary General, the Prime Minister and the Government ministers will visit two Norwegian Armed Forces facilities: Ramsund Naval Station and Evenes Military Air Station.

‘Secretary General Rutte will be able to gain insight into how Norwegian and Allied forces work together. We will also be holding meetings to discuss the security situation in the north. It is important to highlight the strategic importance of the High North,’ said Mr Støre.

As a result of the accession to NATO of Sweden and Finland, the Alliance can now present a more united front in the High North, and Norway will have a more important role to play in receiving Allied reinforcements for deployment across the Nordic region. The Nordic countries have agreed on a joint defence concept and on the need to expand cooperation within the NATO framework. The current security situation has heightened the strategic importance of the High North.

‘We consider it essential that NATO has a visible, strong presence in the north of our country. This enhances Norway’s overall defence,’ said Mr Støre.

The Norwegian Government has offered to establish the new NATO combined air operations centre in Reitan outside Bodø. The centre will be situated next to the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.

During his visit to Norway, Secretary General Rutte will also take a helicopter tour of the Ofoten district and receive briefings from senior Armed Forces personnel.

‘I look forward to constructive discussions with Mr Rutte and to explaining more about Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces. The purpose of today’s visit is to give the Secretary General an even better understanding of Norway’s contribution to NATO,’ said Mr Støre.