Norwegian PM warns of "great uncertainty" in relations with U.S.
Store highlighted a significant shift in U.S. foreign and trade policy, noting that "unpredictability" has become a defining characteristic of the current American administration.
OSLO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Thursday warned that current developments in the United States under the Trump administration are creating "great uncertainty" and a "highly demanding" environment for Norway.
In a security policy address to Norway's parliament, the Storting, Store highlighted a significant shift in U.S. foreign and trade policy, noting that "unpredictability" has become a defining characteristic of the current American administration.
Ahead of his departure for the Munich Security Conference, he expressed deep concern over what he described as frequent "rhetorical attacks" on Europe originating from the "MAGA movement's" worldview. He specifically cited President Donald Trump's remarks to European allies, including the claim that "your countries are going to hell," as evidence of a deteriorating diplomatic climate.
The prime minister also mentioned the U.S. shift toward protectionism. "Where the United States was previously the leading exponent of rules-based international trade, it now embraces tariffs," Store said, describing these tariffs as leverage to extract concessions in areas unrelated to trade, even against long-standing allies.
Furthermore, Store criticized Washington's withdrawal from committed international cooperation in sectors such as climate change and global health. He also cited the mounting pressure on independent institutions and media within the United States.
In response to the shifting geopolitical landscape, Store outlined a "hedging strategy" to diversify Norway's security dependencies, excluding the dependency solely on Washington.
"We are now prioritizing cooperation with Northern European partners even more clearly," Store stated. "Deeper and more binding cooperation with the surrounding countries will provide strengthened deterrence and greater collective impact."