Statsminister Jens Stoltenberg har, på vegne av regjeringen, sendt følgende gratulasjons-telegram:

Dear President-elect Bush:

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

Norway and the United States share a firm and enduring belief in freedom and democracy. Our bilateral relations are founded on these fundamental values, and on close historical ties.

Transatlantic solidarity, the United States commitment to Europe, and mutual security in the Atlantic Alliance are at the core of our relationship.

We share a vital interest in bringing a democratic, prosperous and stable Russia closer into Euro-Atlantic and international cooperation, and in dealing with the very serious environmental challenges of Northwest Russia.

Our time calls for leadership and determination. There is a need for concerted action by nations to meet the challenges of the 21 ^st> century and to advance international peace, security, and development. I am looking forward to working closely with the United States in NATO, in the United Nations where Norway will hold a seat on the Security Council for the term 2001 - 2002, and in many other fora in order to realize our common goals and ideals.

I look forward to meeting with you, and wish you every success during your term in office.