On January 8, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record strategy session with H.E. Ine Eriksen Søreide to discuss strategic priorities for Norway in relation to their partnership with the United States and their contributions to NATO.

With the coming drawdown of NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan and the US pivot to Asia, NATO must find a way to reengage the US and stay relevant in the field of global security. Increasing joint military exercises and training among NATO partners will help to maintain the interoperability of NATO forces gained during the ISAF mission. To this effort, Norway seeks to expand their military exercise and training programs into the Asia-Pacific region in support of other NATO members and their security challenges. Norway will also play a key role in shaping Arctic strategy toward a more inclusive and cooperative relationship with all Arctic states as the region opens up to increased economic and security interests.

Minister Søreide previously served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, Chair of the Enlarged Foreign Affairs Committee, Head of the Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament and Head of the European Consultative Committee from 2009 to 2013. From 2005 to 2009 she was Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Research and Church Affairs. She earned her graduate degree in law from The University of Tromsø.