Official Visit to Norway by President Emmanuel Macron of France

Security, defence and collaboration at the highest level

KONGSBERG was honoured to take part in this week’s official visit to Norway by French President Emmanuel Macron, hosted by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The visit underscored the strong and growing ties between France and Norway, not only politically, but also within defence, industry and innovation. As part of the programme, KONGSBERG CEO Geir Håøy joined a round-table discussion.

  • Text:Njål Frilseth

    Photo:Tom Hansen

The meeting brought together key representatives from French and Norwegian technology, energy and defence companies. Discussions focused on some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today — from the war in Ukraine and Arctic security to the evolving conflicts in the Middle East.

The conversation highlighted how today’s defence industry must adapt to a rapidly changing security environment.

“One of the biggest lessons from Ukraine is that new systems must be designed, adapted and delivered in months, not years. And often, the solution is not to invent something new, but to rethink how existing technology can be repurposed to meet urgent operational needs," said CEO Håøy after the meeting.

KONGSBERG, together with its business areas, is proud of the role we play in ensuring Europe’s security and resilience, and we thank the Norwegian Government for including KONGSBERG in these important discussions.

CEO Håøy continued: "Rapid innovation also depends on a more flexible partnership between governments and industry. We in the defence and technology industry cannot scale production or invest in long-lead components without clear, long-term demand.”

During the visit, Prime Minster Støre and President Macron signed a strategic partnership agreement between Norway and France with a broad focus on security.

The President was given a brief tour of the National Museum accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Prime Minister Støre and President Macron then attended a round-table discussion with representatives of French and Norwegian energy, industrial and technology companies.

 

“Today we have had constructive discussions about security and defence in Europe, and about the best way to support Ukraine in its fight to defend itself. We also talked about the situation in the Arctic and the dramatic developments in the Middle East," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during the visit.

"The meeting has been very well timed: this is the day before the NATO Summit in The Hague, which we will both be attending. The increasingly serious security situation in Europe and the threat posed by Russia are bringing France and Norway even closer together.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron visited Norway on an official visit 23–24 June at the invitation of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. It is more than 40 years since a French President last paid an official visit to Norway.

The President was accompanied by the French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Éric Lombard, Minister delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs Benjamin Haddad and Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, as well as a French business delegation.

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