This week, Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to another world leader as part of the efforts to reaffirm relations between the United States and its allies. Harris recently spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, reaffirming the country’s commitment to maintaining relations with Norway.
The White House released a brief readout of Harris’ phone conversation with Solberg this week. Harris affirmed her commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries. The pair both agreed on the importance of working together to support human rights as well as their shared democratic values. Harris and Solberg also agreed to work bilaterally and multilaterally towards promoting global health, specifically, women’s and girls’ health.
Like other world leaders, Harris and Solberg also talked about the importance of global cooperation when it comes to battling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Cooperation when it comes to the issue of climate change and the situation in the Arctic region was also discussed between Harris and Solberg. Harris and Solberg also took to Twitter to share their conversations with each other.
“I spoke with Norway’s Prime Minister @Erna_Solberg. We discussed the need to stand together on human rights, climate, defense, development, and healthcare — especially for women and girls. @POTUS and I are grateful for Norway’s friendship and commitment to our shared values,” tweeted Harris.
“I had the great pleasure of talking to US @VP Kamala Harris today. Among other subjects, we discussed security cooperation, covid19, climate change, Arctic, increasing poverty, and standing up for democratic values,” tweeted Solberg.
As part of the administration’s push to promote the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that just passed the House this week, Harris is expected to promote the American Rescue Plan in Denver, Colorado next week. The vice president will be arriving in Denver on Tuesday, March 16. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff will also be with Harris during her visit to promote the relief package. Harris’ office said that she will be addressing the aspects of the COVID-19 relief package during her visit, which includes an extension of $300 weekly unemployment benefits until September and shoring up both state and local government financial aid.