Norwegian ambassador to U.S. touts cultural, military ties in S.D. visit

Ambassador Anniken Ramberg Krutnes says Norway expanding military amid Russia aggression

Norway is committed to increasing its military budget and defense capabilities in its partnership with the United States and NATO countries, the Norwegian Ambassador told The Dakota Scout Tuesday.

Ambassador Anniken Ramberg Krutnes also said she wants to continue fostering cultural relations between the two countries, particularly in this region of the country with its strong Norwegian background of immigrants who settled here in the 1800s and early 1900s. Her visit to the Dakotas included stops at Sons of Norway lodges, including in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

She also visited Air Force bases, starting her trip in Minot, where she sat in the cockpit of a B-52.

“We do have some of the B-52s in Norway from time to time flying with our F-35s,” she said.

She arrived in Sioux Falls Monday after running a 10k in the Fargo Marathon Saturday, and spending the weekend in the Black Hills, where she and her companions climbed Black Elk Peak and Crazy Horse.