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Norwegian ambassador to visit St. Olaf

By Trent Chaffee '09
April 10, 2008

As part of his tour through the Midwest, Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Wegger Strommen will visit St. Olaf College April 15-16.

StrommenWegger
Strommen
He will deliver a lecture titled "Norway and the United States in the Next Century: Working Together in our Changing World" on Tuesday, April 15, from 8-9 p.m. in the Valhalla Room of the Kings' Dining Room in Buntrock Commons, with a reception to follow. In addition, a coffee reception will be held in his honor on Wednesday, April 16, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room of Buntrock Commons. Both events are free and open to the public.

In his role as ambassador, Strommen represents Norway in the United States, meets with U.S. officials on policy issues and hosts visits by Norwegian delegations to the U.S. He promotes Norwegian culture in the U.S. and works to maintain good bilateral relations between the two countries. In addition to visiting St. Olaf, Strommen's tour through the Midwest will include meetings with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Vice President Walter Mondale.

"The Midwest has been fertile ground for the extensive bonds between Norway and the United States -- between families, friends, schools and businesses," Strommen says. "These contacts and human dimension have proven to be a solid pillar in what is Norway's most important relationship with another country."

Before entering his current role in October 2007, Strommen served as ambassador and permanent representative of Norway to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. With more than 20 years of diplomatic experience, Strommen has led a distinguished career in the Norwegian Foreign Service, including positions as deputy foreign minister and representing Norway in the United Nations Security Council.

Strommen has practiced law as both a judge and an attorney. He also lectures on international law at institutions such as Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School, and is the author of articles on international law, constitutional law, and human rights.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.