The Norwegian delegation was led by State Secretary Gry Larsen. “The issues for this dialogue are big and comprehensive. It was satisfying that we managed to have productive conversations”, State Secretary Larsen expressed after the meetings.
Norway and the United States are bound by common values, rooted in the pursuit of democracy, human rights and individual freedoms. The discussions were wide-ranging on issues of significance to the two countries and the world at large. They discussed ways in which the United States and Norway can work together to combat global climate change, from deforestation to black carbon, partner in multilateral engagement, as well as joint research and cooperation on global health, including cookstoves, and regional and global water challenges, all of which will benefit from bolstered cooperation between the two nations. The dialogue also included a broad exchange on human rights issues, including strengthening the Human Rights Council, protecting human rights defenders, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations, combating trafficking in persons, Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and promoting the decent work agenda.
The two nations also discussed Arctic issues, including polar research, search and rescue and other items on the Arctic Council agenda.
The dialogue concluded with productive discussions between State Secretary Larsen and Assistant Secretary for Europe Philip Gordon on issues pertaining to European security, disarmament and non-proliferation.