Minnesota velkommen to Norway's prime minister

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: September 22, 2008 - 11:33 PM

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited the Twin Cities, with Honorary Consul General to Norway Walter F. Mondale as s host.

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Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg delivers a speech during a ceremony at La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, on Friday.

Photo: Santiago Llanquin, Associated Press

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THE LATEST: Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited the Twin Cities Monday, with Honorary Consul General to Norway Walter F. Mondale as his host.

In December, Norway downgraded its diplomatic status with Minnesota from a consulate office to an honorary level.

"At the time the decision was made, Prime Minister Stoltenberg assured us that it was not a reflection of flagging interests, but rather a decision to reallocate government resources -- and to acknowledge reliance on the strong Norwegian-American population here that maintains its high interest in the relationship with Norway," Mondale said. "His visit ... is an affirmation of that commitment."

ITINERARY: A key stop for Stoltenberg was a late-morning visit to the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, where he reviewed the university's advanced research on alternative fuels and carbon cycles.

In the afternoon, he visited with Gov. Tim Pawlenty at the State Capitol. On Monday night, he was to attend a reception for Norwegian-Americans at Bloomington's City Hall.

PAUL WALSH