Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide today in Washington and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to further strengthen the U.S.-Norway relationship. The Secretary thanked Norway for its commitment to Ukraine, including its decision to donate six F-16 fighter jets and provide over $7 billion in long-term security and humanitarian assistance. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed concerns for the PRC’s support to the Russian defense industrial base. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the region, including by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Eide also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on critical mineral supply chains that safeguard labor and environmental standards globally.
