On Thursday, Feb. 27, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) joined fellow Minnesota legislators in welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Norwegian Parliament to the State Capitol. The visit honored the deep historical and cultural ties between Minnesota and Norway.

During their time at the Capitol, the delegation was formally recognized from the Senate floor and observed legislative proceedings. The Senate honored the group with Senate Resolution 16, which acknowledged the historical connections, shared values, and lasting influence of Norway on Minnesota.

“As a proud Norwegian American, I was grateful to welcome our friends from Norway and recognize the lasting bonds between our state and their nation,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “From our shared heritage to our military partnerships, Norway has played an important role in shaping Minnesota’s history and future.”

Sen. Rasmusson’s district includes part of Douglas County, the longtime home of Knute Nelson, a Norwegian immigrant who served as a Minnesota state senator, governor, U.S. representative, and U.S. senator. The delegation posed for photos with a bust of Nelson in the Senate chamber, highlighting his continuing legacy in state politics.

The visit also recognized the long-standing military cooperation between Norway and Minnesota. The Minnesota National Guard and Norway have participated in the Norwegian Reciprocal Exchange (NOREX) program since 1974,
fostering military collaboration and cultural exchange. This partnership was further strengthened in 2023 when Minnesota and Norway were officially linked through the State Partnership Program, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative pairing National Guards with allied nations.

The delegation included Norwegian Parliament members Lars Haltbrekken, Willfred Nordlund, and Bård Ludvig Thorheim, along with Eivind J. Heiberg, the Norwegian honorary consul general; Liva Stang Rugsveen from the Royal Norwegian Embassy; and Bjørn Willy Robstad from the International Department of the Storting.