Solberg: Not more dependent on Allied help

Prime Minister Erna SolbergPrime Minister Erna Solberg.Photo: Vidar Ruud / NTB scanpix

The new long-term plan for the Armed Forces does not make Norway more dependent on Allied help, claims Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

Donald Trump was elected US president shortly after the three major parties came together on a defense plan, which has brought the question forward on whether the deal has already expired.

– Trump has invited a wide cooperation and expressed the need to stand together. A strong NATO is both in our and in America’s interest, said Solberg in a speech to the Conservative Party’s central board on Monday morning.

Not more dependent

In the speech she acknowledged that the long-term plan does not make Norway more dependent on NATO and Allied help.

– The long-term plan enables us to both strengthen our own defenses and our ability to contribute into the alliance.

It is difficult to understand the logic of allegations that strengthened defenses makes us more dependent on our allies. It is, however, a weak and underfunded defense that could do that, she said.

The Prime Minister stated that Norway through changing times and with different presidents has prioritized cooperation with the US and reiterated that the government will work strategically towards the Trumps administration.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today