It was a great pleasure for the embassy and me personally to welcome Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt to Ottawa 9-10 March. Minister Huitfeldt held meetings with Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland as well as Minister for Northern Affairs, Dan Vandal. She also met with representatives of Northern Indigenous organisations. These talks covered a wide range of issues from how our countries supply and support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion, Arctic affairs and Nordic -Canadian dialogue, as well as international trade issues and peace and reconciliation efforts around the world.
Friday 10 March the two foreign Ministers reached out to the public trough a public conversation on foreign policy and how Canada and Norway as likeminded allies can work together as a force for democratic resilience, pluralism and human rights. The conversation took place at the Global Center for pluralism in Ottawa, and was moderated by Meredith Preston McGhie, always a good friend of Norway and a fellow veteran from conflict resolution around the world. Thank you Meredith.
Also a big thanks to foreign policy experts Roland Paris, Kerry Buck and Andrew Leslie, who briefed Minister Huitfeldt and the delegation upon arrival. We need to analyze the world around us in these troubled times.
The minister’s visit informs us that Canada and Norway has a lot to show for ourselves as partners, but can do even more as likeminded allies. I look forward to bring that effort forward together with Canadian colleagues and friends.
Jon Elvedal Fredriksen
Ambassador