US and Norwegian Defense Ministers discuss support for Ukraine and strategic partnership

The US and Norwegian defense ministers discussed support for Ukraine and strategic partnership, condemned Iran's aggression and noted the importance of cooperation in the North because of the "aggressive" russian federation. This is reported by the US Department of Defense, UNN reports.

Details

At the Pentagon, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his Norwegian counterpart, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

In his remarks, the U.S. Secretary highlighted the longstanding and enduring partnership between the United States and Norway, thanking Norway for its support of Ukraine's security, including air defense. He also expressed appreciation for Norway's leadership in forming the Maritime Capabilities Contact Group coalition and for its role in supporting NATO's defense spending commitment.

Our connection is especially important today as putin continues his ruthless war against Ukraine. Mr. Minister, we are deeply grateful for Norway's leadership in providing long-term assistance to Ukraine. We applaud you for leading, along with the United Kingdom, the Maritime Capacity - Maritime Contact Group coalition. You have also provided significant support to both the Air Force Capabilities Coalition and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalitions

The US Secretary of Defense also congratulated his counterpart for the Norwegian plan, namely to fulfill NATO's joint commitment to spend at least two percent of GDP on defense this calendar year.

In response, Secretary Graham emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Norway and the United States, especially in the context of current geopolitical challenges. He expressed support for U.S. measures to help Ukraine and condemned Iran's aggression against Israel.

russia's brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally disrupted the European security architecture. The situation in Ukraine is serious, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to the United States and to you, Lloyd, for your leadership in supporting Ukraine. Continued U.S. leadership is crucial. Northern Europe has stepped up and needs to do more, and we will

In the context of Norway's plan to increase defense spending and double the defense budget over the next decade, Minister Grame noted that cooperation between Norway and the United States in the North is very important.

Our cooperation is particularly important in the Far North, where we regularly work together. This region is becoming increasingly important, where we are facing a russia that is more unpredictable and aggressive

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