Central ND News

Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S., Anniken Krutnes, will visit North Dakota this week for the first time to celebrate the shared history between North Dakota and Norway and their strong partnership. Senator Cramer will host Ambassador Krutnes in Fargo on Friday, May 31, with events highlighting the state’s Norwegian heritage and economic strength while advancing discussions on defense and national security policies between the two countries.

A full day of events is planned, starting with a lunch at the Sons of Norway and concluding with a Fargo premiere of the Norwegian film "Songs of Earth." Discussions will focus on the importance of U.S.-Norway relations, America's engagement in Europe, global conflicts, and the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., in July. The Ambassador will also participate in the Fargo Marathon 10K on Saturday, June 1.

“I look forward to welcoming Ambassador Krutnes to North Dakota to celebrate the Norwegian heritage that has deeply shaped our great state and to showcase the innovation, economic progress and quality of life that defines who we are as North Dakotans,” said Sen. Cramer. “This visit strengthens the relationship between the U.S. and Norway, particularly as we focus on defense and national security policies. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Congressional Friends of Norway Caucus, I welcome a robust discussion on these and other topics.”

Friday’s visit to Fargo will culminate a week of activities for Ambassador Krutnes, including stops in Minot and Bismarck. Her itinerary includes a visit to Minot Air Force Base and meetings with state government officials in Bismarck. After her time in North Dakota, she will travel to South Dakota.

“I’m grateful for Senator Cramer’s invitation, and I greatly look forward to visiting North Dakota, the state with the highest share of Norwegian-Americans in the U.S.,” said Ambassador Krutnes. “Its history illustrates the strong bonds we’ve built between our two nations, which remain to this day. This visit will capture the breadth of these bonds, and I’m excited to experience as much of North Dakota as I can. I’m particularly eager to learn about opportunities for cooperation in the future.”

The public will have an opportunity to meet Ambassador Krutnes at a Meet & Greet Friday at Marcus West Acres Cinema before the Fargo premiere of "Songs of Earth." The Meet & Greet begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by the film premiere at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for the film can be purchased from Fandango or directly from Marcus West Acres Cinema.