Stoltenberg congratulates Obama

”I am happy to congratulate Senator Barack Obama with his victory. It is historic that the USA will now have its first Afro-American president. The election campaign has engaged many US citizens and the outcome is of major importance to the entire world. I look forward to cooperate closely with the new US president and his administration”, says Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

The Prime Minister says Obama has been campaigning for ”change”, and says this has given many Americans hope and faith in the future. ”He has worked to unify people in order to tackle the major challenges that the USA is facing. It has been an exiting campaign with an impressive mobilisation of new voters. Both parties should be proud of the job they have done to make people use their right to vote”, Stoltenberg says.

“The USA is our major ally, and the links between our countries are strong. Our cooperation is based on common values and interests. NATO is vital to our security, and we still need a close transatlantic cooperation. One example is the major challenges we are facing in Afghanistan”, the Prime Minister says.

”We expect the USA to take the international lead in important issues, on the basis of dialogue and cooperation.  In order to handle the major global challenges facing us, we need joint solutions. This is true for the financial crisis, the climate policy, the fight against poverty and our efforts for peace and security”, Stoltenberg says.

The Prime Minister says an active US involvement will be vital in order to achieve a new international climate agreement. “This will be decisive also in order to have the support of the other countries emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases. I am happy that Obama has said the US will step up its efforts to reduce emissions”, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg says.

The Prime Minister has today sent the following letter of congratulations to Senator Obama:

"The Honorable Barack Obama
The President-elect of the United States

Dear Senator Obama,

On behalf of the Norwegian Government I take great pleasure in conveying my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the United States of America.

Norway and the United States have a close friendship dating far back in time and we enjoy strong and excellent relations. 

Transatlantic solidarity and our mutual commitment to security in the Atlantic Alliance are at the core of our relations. We must continue to work together to advance peace, fight poverty and address the global challenges posed by climate change.

I am looking forward to working closely with you on the many issues where shared values and common interests and goals bring us together.

Yours sincerely,


Jens Stoltenberg".