Defense Cooperation Between Norway and the United States Essential for Our Security – Norwegian News – Latest News, Latest News, Comments – Norwegian News

A supplementary defense cooperation agreement between Norway and the United States has been submitted to Storting for consideration. “This Agreement provides a framework for further developing important cooperation with the United States in this area. Our main focus is on the security of Norway and the protection of Norwegian interests, but this cooperation is in Europe. It is also important for overall safety, “said Foreign Minister Aniken Whitfeld.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the deteriorating security situation in Europe have changed the security policy situation in our region. This makes it increasingly important for Norway to be able to respond quickly to negative and complex security developments. Supplement The Defense Cooperation Agreement (SDCA) facilitates the faster and more effective deployment of reinforcements from the United States to Norway in the event of a war or crisis. The government is currently seeking storming consent to ratify and implement the agreement.

Norwegian defense is based on three key elements: defense capability, NATO collective defense, and bilateral support and strengthening from close allies. Storting previously approved this concept of defense.

“It is unrealistic to expect Norway to be able to defend itself with its own army. We are members of NATO and support us in the same way that other NATO countries support us. In order for NATO countries to be able to defend each other, the United States and other allies will conduct training and exercises here, pre-deploy defense equipment and supplies, and otherwise the Allied Norwegian Preparing for strengthening is essential, said Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoxen.

The agreement itself will strengthen Norway’s security by clearly reaffirming the United States’ continued commitment to contribute to the security of Norway and Europe. US military activity in Norway over the next few years will continue to develop in close consultation between the United States and Norway. Norway’s ability to receive Allied reinforcements in the event of a war or crisis depends on having the necessary infrastructure. The agreement will allow the United States to invest in Norwegian military infrastructure projects.

“Norway and the United States have successfully cooperated in the defense of Norway for over 70 years. Activities under the Agreement will be carried out with full respect for Norway’s sovereignty, law and international legal obligations. The agreement does not imply any restrictions on Norwegian policy on the presence of foreign troops on Norwegian territory, nuclear policy, rules on the porting of vessels at Norwegian ports, or the stocking of certain types of weapons on Norwegian territory. Therefore, Russia has no reason to react to the agreement. Strengthening by allies is a fundamental element of NATO cooperation, and Russia is well aware of this. “

The agreement recognizes the establishment of agreed facilities and regions defined as central locations for the development of practical defense cooperation. Four such areas will be established: Sora Military Airfield and Airfield, Evenes Military Airfield and Airfield, Rugge Military Airfield and Airfield, Ramsund Naval Base. Under the agreement, additional agreed facilities and areas may be established at a later date.

Negotiations on the agreement were completed under the previous administration and the agreement was signed in the spring of 2021. This is a very important national issue and requires storming consent before the agreement comes into force. The agreement was circulated for review in the fall of 2021.

Two suggestions for stoting will be submitted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a Proposal 90 S (2021–2022) Proposal for Storting, which has agreed to ratify the Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement between Norway and the United States on April 16, 2021.

The Ministry of Defense submits a Proposal 89 L (2021–2022) Proposal to Storting on the implementation of the Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement between Norway and the United States on April 16, 2021.