Cramer Highlights Strength of North Dakota-Norway Defense Partnership at Bilateral Conference

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - North Dakota's deep Norwegian roots reflect the broad, long-standing relationship between the United States and Norway, one built on shared values, cultural ties, and security cooperation. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) spoke about the connection between the two countries at the 12th annual Norwegian-American Defense Conference today, where he delivered the Congressional keynote address.

Cramer described the bond as historic and strategic, but also personal. His great-great-great grandfather, Erik Hjelden, fought in the Norwegian War of Independence prior to Norway adopting a constitution on May 17, 1814, Norway's Independence Day known as Syttende Mai.

Starting in the 1870s, Scandinavian immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland settled across what is now North Dakota. Today, one-third of the state's population is of Norwegian descent, and North Dakota has the highest percentage of citizens with Norwegian ancestry of any state in the nation.

"I love the theme of this year's conference, 'From Seabed to Space,' because I do think the size of the country is not nearly as important as the dynamic that happens when one plus one equals more than two," said Cramer. "At a time when there's talent on the factory floor, and talent in the executive suites, and talent in the engineering room, that we may have one or the other, maybe all. But together the dynamic of it is so much greater."

Cramer emphasized how this foundation now supports a modern defense partnership. He said the United States and Norway are working together on Arctic security, aiming to strengthen interoperability and improve readiness across multi-domain operations. This alliance plays a key role in addressing today's international security challenges.

Cramer also recognized the U.S.-Norway partnership through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as the history between the two countries.

"When you look at a globe, it illustrates why the Arctic is so important,"continued Cramer. "None of us can protect our silo without protecting our country, without protecting our continent, without protecting our hemisphere, without protecting ourselves. We protect one another by protecting ourselves, and we protect ourselves by protecting one another."

Throughout his years in Congress, Cramer has been active in the House and Senate Friends of Norway caucuses. He hosted former Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Krutnes when she visited North Dakota in 2024, highlighting the state's Norwegian heritage, economic strength, and its role in advancing U.S.-Norway defense and national security cooperation. During the visit, Krutnes and Cramer emphasized the importance of strong alliances and the longstanding partnership between the two nations during various community stops, including events at the Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge and First Lutheran Church. The visit also focused on defense priorities, with a briefing at the North Dakota National Guard's 119th Wing regarding the mission of the "Happy Hooligans," before concluding with a public reception ahead of the Fargo premiere of the Norwegian film Songs of Earth.

As founding members of both the United Nations and NATO, the United States and Norway continue to emphasize the importance of collective defense backed by measurable commitments. Norway has consistently invested in its defense capabilities and contributed to NATO operations, reflecting its role as a close and reliable ally. At the same time, questions about burden-sharing across the alliance have remained a focus in recent years, including calls from President Trump for NATO members to meet agreed-upon defense spending targets. Officials say the strength of the alliance ultimately depends on both shared values and sustained, tangible contributions to collective security.