Today – May 12th 2014 – is a day worth remembering. The Norwegian frigate KNM Fridtjof Nansen departs for the Pacific to participate in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise RIMPAC. . . .

My government´s policy is founded on the principle that NATO and Article 5 of the Washington Treaty is the key to Norwegian security and defense policy. The collective commitments and capabilities that NATO provides are fundamental. However, NATO is far more than a military alliance – it is a transatlantic political community of shared values. The Alliance is based on the fundamental idea that liberal democracies – based on their shared values – have decided that our security is stronger when we cooperate collectively. The strength of this simple – yet fundamental – idea was proven during the Cold War. However, it also holds true today. In fact, I believe that the recent events in the Ukraine demonstrate the value of NATO as a political community based on common values. . . .

There are 4 key factors in explaining why participation in RIMPAC is in our interest

Firstly, this is a matter of strengthening our ability to operate together with key allies and partners. This goes for the US in particular, but RIMPAC also gives us an opportunity to strengthen relations with nations that we have had little defense cooperation with in the past. For example Japan, South Korea, India and Australia. As is the case for Norway, China will also participate in the exercise for the first time in 2014. . . .

Secondly, we need to look at this within a broader transatlantic framework – including the need for better burden-sharing. We can no longer take the transatlantic relationship for granted. And we cannot take US commitment to European security for granted. I do not doubt or question US commitment to Article V. Rather, I am proposing that a robust transatlantic relationship – so crucial for our mutual security – requires nourishment. It needs engagement and investment from both sides. I would argue that Europe – unfortunately – has not lived up to its commitments. I mentioned earlier that we cannot take the US for granted. I also firmly believe that Europe can not go on expecting the US to shoulder in excess of 70% of defense expenditure in NATO. The key to better burden-sharing – and a sustainable foundation for the future of transatlantic cooperation – is for Europe to do more.

My point is that burden-sharing encompasses more than defense budgets. It is also a matter of demonstrating political will to engage in those areas that affect the security of other allies. That is indeed the true nature of collective security. For too long transatlantic security cooperation has been about what the US can and should do for European security. However, mutual security goes both ways. That means that Europe needs to be willing to engage in those areas where the US has security interests. Our contribution with our frigate to RIMPAC is a way of signaling that we stand ready to support the US, also in areas far away from European shores. Norway stands ready to do our part to strengthen the transatlantic relationship.

The third point I would make is that the Asia-Pacific is of strategic importance to Norway. Indeed, developments in this part of the world will have global effects. . . . [W]e need to realize the immense significance of the developments in the Asia-Pacific. The rise of China, unresolved territorial claims and rising nationalism in the region are important drivers. I believe that these issues will be resolved peacefully. At the same time, I understand the US need to focus more of its attention in this direction. . . .

Fourthly, our participation allows us to show-case the superior abilities of our Navy, both in terms of technology and personnel. Our Fridtjof Nansen-class with the Aegis system is an extremely versatile platform. . . .

Furthermore, we will use the opportunity in RIMPAC to demonstrate how the Norwegian defense industry is a global leader within certain critical areas. For one we will showcase the unique capabilities of the Norwegian Naval Strike Missile. During the exercise, Fridtjof Nansen will visit the Pacific Missile Range where the frigate will fire a live Naval Strike Missile (NSM). We also look forward to demonstrating our Sea Protector system, designed for close-area protection of the vessel. These are examples of how Norwegian industrial interests also will benefit from our participation. . . .

The bottom line is that our participation in RIMPAC strengthens the collective security of NATO, our mutual security with the US and it also strengthens Norwegian security. The world is changing rapidly, and we are faced with an ever-wider variety of security challenges. Geographical distance, no matter how large, is no longer a protection against these challenges. The only way to approach this new security environment is in a collective manner. As allies – either in Europe or in North America – that means we have to be willing to look beyond our own neighborhood. That is the very essence of collective defense, and that is why we believe that Norway participating in RIMPAC is so important.

Excerpts from speech by Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, May 12, 2014.

Image: Norwegian frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (photo: Russian Ministry of Defense)