[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF NORWAY'S CONSTITUTION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
people of the Kingdom of Norway and extend my congratulations to King 
Harald V, and to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, as Norway celebrates 
its national day of recognition of the adoption of its constitution on 
May 17, 2006.
  It was on May 17, 1814, that Norway adopted its constitution, making 
the country free and independent. The United States and Norway have 
long had a strong relationship, founded on cooperation on important 
bilateral and regional issues, as well as on shared values. Our 
countries are engaged on every level, including on economic, security 
and cultural matters, in a relationship that reflects a shared 
commitment to further strengthening our relationship. The strength of 
our friendship allows our two nations to openly engage on issues for 
which we might not share a common perspective, and work together to 
build common ground on issues of great importance to our citizens.
  Norway holds a strategic position within the European community, and 
through its I membership in NATO and the European Union, Norway is a 
voice of reason in security matters that impact both its region and the 
world. In addition, Norway is a global leader in providing humanitarian 
aid to crises around the world, in aiding refugees, and in promoting 
human rights around the globe. I commend the Norwegian government for 
the important and life-saving work it is engaged in around the world.
  As a Minnesotan, I and many of my constituents feel a particular bond 
to Norway, as so many ancestors of Minnesotans come from that great 
country. The strong links that have formed between Minnesota and Norway 
extend to business partnerships and social connections. Minnesotans 
also share with Norwegians the strong desire in helping to alleviate 
the suffering that is a daily struggle for so many around the world. 
Both Minnesotans and Norwegians feel compelled to act in the name of 
peace and democracy around the world, and I am proud there is such a 
strong Norwegian influence in Minnesota.
  Mr. Speaker, we should extend warm regards and congratulations to the 
people of Norway, the Norwegian Government, King Harald V and Queen 
Sonja, and Prime Minister Stoltenberg as they celebrate the adoption of 
their constitution. They have consistently been warm friends of the 
United States, and I look forward to working with the Norwegian people 
on every level in the future, to ensure that our two countries maintain 
a strong relationship.

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