Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

We were pleased to welcome Makenzie Bennett to the Embassy for a week-long internship! Makenzie is a third-year Scandinavian Studies and Norwegian Language and Literature student at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her course of study covers the language, culture, and history of Norway and Scandinavia. About her week with us, Makenzie says, “I’ve had multiple talks with people detailing their work and its significance to both Norway and the United States. This includes the research and higher education policies valued by Norway, the efforts made to collaborate and fund research (both internationally and domestically), and the foundations built in each department to ensure an overall positive relationship between countries. I’ve also learned about social media and communications and how the Embassy organizes events and meetings. In addition, I’ve been given some great advice and encouragement about work and networking.” It was great speaking Norwegian with you, Makenzie! Lykke til!

This week marked Appointed Ambassador Huitfeldt's first series of meetings on Capitol Hill. First, she talked with North Dakota's Senator Kevin Cramer about the importance of strong allies for common security, as well as Representative Kelly Armstrong (who is co-chair of the congressional Friends of Norway Caucus!) Then, the Appointed Ambassador spent some time with Alaska's Senator Lisa Murkowski – a true friend of Arctic cooperation between Norway and the United States. She also spoke with Washington state's Representative Rick Larsen, who shared that his great-grandfather originally came from Balsfjord, Norway. Finally, she ran into Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who invited the Appointed Ambassador to visit the great state of Maryland — which she hopes to do soon!

Are you looking for the perfect book to enjoy this fall? Come join us, our fellow Nordic embassies, and five talented authors (including Norwegian Hanne Ørstavik) on Thursday, September 26, at the Library of Congress's "A Celebration of Nordic Writers"!

Back to school! 📚 Our student interns, Håkon and Marie, are participating in a partnership between the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Georgetown University McDonough School of Business!   Håkon and Marie will attend the Design Thinking & Service Consulting class, where they will explore innovative business ideas for Norway's green energy transition. This is an exciting opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of global perspectives and learn more about and promote Norway's approach to sustainability. They are looking forward to exchanging ideas with their new classmates!   #EnergyTransition #Norway #Sustainability

We're looking for interns! Applicants must be Norwegian citizens and either be students or planning to be master's or doctoral candidates in the near future. For more information, click the link.

Join us in welcoming our new Defense Attaché, Rear Admiral Ole Morten Sandquist! Rear Admiral Ole Morten Sandquist is a native of Bergen, Norway. He is a graduate of the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and holds a Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies from King’s College Universities of London. “It’s a real pleasure to be back in D.C.,” he says. “I am looking forward to working with my American friends and colleagues.” He conducted a six-month deployment off the Horn of Africa as a part of EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta and has extensive experience at sea. This includes more than 17 years of sea duty and several tours with the Standing NATO Maritime Groups. Ashore, Rear Admiral Sandquist served with the New Norwegian Frigate Program and was on the staff of the Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy as senior staff officer. His assignments as Commodore (OF-6) include the position as Commander Norwegian Fleet and Commander of the Norwegian Task Group. He also commanded the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) in 2017. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 2018. Awards include the Defense Medal with two stars, the Norwegian Police Medal with distinction/laurel, The Navy’s Medal of Merit, the Navy Service Medal with three stars, the Norwegian Armed Forces Operations Medal for counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, and the European Union Naval Force Medal Operation Atalanta.

An article from The Washington Post on some of the exciting new architecture that has been cropping up in D.C. lately... featuring our beautiful renovated Embassy! (Scroll down to the end of the story.)

Today, we had a visit from CEO Christian Chramer and Director USA Anne-Kristine Øen, our good partners at the Norwegian Seafood Council. Very useful discussion about the U.S. as an important market for Norwegian seafood – 20 percent of the value of Norwegian exports to the U.S. comes from the seafood industry. Norwegian salmon, cod, trout, and shellfish (such as king crab) is particularly sought after by American consumers. There's excellent potential for further export growth!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our two new interns: Marie and Håkon! Marie is 23 years old and from Holmlia, Oslo. She recently obtained a BA in International Studies from the University of Oslo, with an exchange semester to Sciences Po, Toulouse. Her motivation for the internship is experiencing how Norwegian relations are put into practice internationally. She’s also curious to learn more about security matters and Norway as a NATO ally. In her free time she is hoping to attend many concerts. Håkon is 24 years old and from Jessheim. He has previously completed a BA in Political Science from Keiser University in Florida and is currently enrolled in an MA in International Energy Transitions at Sciences Po, Paris. His motivation for interning is learning more about how Norwegian diplomats work within the U.S. He is especially interested in energy. In addition, Håkon is set on winning the internal MFA Fantasy Premier League Competition. Welcome, Marie and Håkon — we are so glad to have you with us.

A warm welcome to our new Ambassador Designate – Anniken Huitfeldt!  Ambassador Designate Huitfeldt comes to us with a long history of public service, most recently serving as Foreign Minister from 2021 to 2023. She has also held three Cabinet positions with Jens Stoltenberg’s Government. She has a longstanding career in the Norwegian Parliament, where she led its Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense for eight years. She calls Jessheim, a town close to Oslo, home. As a young adult, she studied at the University of Oslo and the London School of Economics, and she later achieved a master’s degree in foreign policy. She also worked as a researcher for five years. “I am delighted to be starting this new chapter as Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S.,” says Ambassador Designate Huitfeldt. “The United States is Norway’s most important ally, and we have such a special relationship. I look forward to getting to work and continuing to strengthen our ties, as well as traveling and meeting people all over the country.”