[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz will travel to Norway this week to build upon Minnesota and Norway’s strong military and economic ties. During his visit, Governor Walz will participate in the official State Partnership Program (SPP) signing ceremony and will celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX). This is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations.

The official SPP signing ceremony is taking place in Trondheim, Norway, and solidifies the partnership between Norway and Minnesota’s militaries. This program deepens and expands work between the nations and symbolizes a shared commitment to alliance and defense. To recognize the expansion of this partnership with Norway, the Minnesota National Guard held a State Partnership Program Letter of Intent signing ceremony on Feb. 4, 2023, at Minnesota’s State Capitol. Governor Walz participated in the signing in Minnesota.

“Amid global uncertainty, maintaining close relationships with our allies is more important than ever,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of Minnesota’s long standing military exchange program with Norway and am committed to building on this unique and exceptional relationship during this visit and for years to come. These international trips help tell Minnesota’s story on an International stage, promoting Minnesota business and strengthening our military ties.”

About the State Partnership Program

The State Partnership Program has made tremendous strides since its inception in 1993. The program has grown from a small number of partnerships with former Soviet and Warsaw Pact countries in Europe into a program that spans the globe in contributing to the security cooperation goals of the United States and its partners. All 54 State National Guards have at least one partnership. The Minnesota Guard has shared a partnership with Croatia for 27 years, and Norway will become another partner through this program.

About NOREX

In 1973, Norwegian Home Guard’s Maj. Gen. Herluf Nygaard invited the Chief of the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Francis S. Greenlief, to visit their Home Guard. The partnership was established that year and the following year, NOREX began and remains the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations. The first exchange occurred in 1974, with roughly 40 Minnesota National Guard members and Norwegian Home Guard Youth. Since 1985, the exchange has increased in size to include approximately 100 Minnesota National Guard citizen Soldiers and Airmen traveling to Norway, while the same number of Norwegian Home Guard Soldiers travel to Camp Ripley, Minnesota.

This announcement comes after Governor Walz welcomed Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway
in October. Queen Sonja visited Minnesota to mark Norway’s strong ties with the Norwegian-American community in Minnesota and the United States. King Harald and Queen Sonja previously visited Minnesota in 2011 and 1995.