Readout Of Secretary Napolitano's Visit To Oslo, Norway

[The Patriot]

Readout Of Secretary Napolitano's Visit To Oslo, Norway

11-14-2011 04:00 AM

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

OSLO, NORWAY - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Oslo, Norway to meet with international partners and discuss the Department's ongoing collaboration with the public and private sector on issues such as cybersecurity as well as combating violent extremism and transnational crime.

"The United States was saddened by the loss of innocent life that occurred in the terrorist attacks on July 22nd, and we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Norway," said Secretary Napolitano. "DHS is strongly committed to working with our Norwegian counterparts, in the public and private sector to combat international and domestic threats."

While in Oslo, Secretary Napolitano met with the newly appointed Norwegian Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness Grete Faremo, the Norwegian Police Security Service Director Janne Kristiansen, and U.S. Ambassador to Norway Barry White to discuss the Department's partnership with Norway in combating violent extremism and how the United States and Norway may identify ways to continue to work together to facilitate secure travel and address shared concerns. Secretary Napolitano also visited Oslo Cathedral to offer condolences in memory of the victims of the July 22nd Oslo bombing and attack on Utoya Island.

Later, Secretary Napolitano met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway where she discussed the Department's role in cybersecurity including enhancing public-private partnerships, raising awareness about cyber threats, combating cybercrime, and protecting critical infrastructure and intellectual property. DHS and its Norwegian counterparts, including NorCERT, are examining ways to partner more closely on these efforts.

Last month President Obama hosted Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg for a meeting in the Oval Office where they underscored the close ties between the United States and Norway, and the significant progress made by the two countries in completing information sharing agreements that will increase bilateral cooperation and the security of international travel.

Secretary Napolitano will be in Stockholm on Tuesday for bilateral meetings with international security counterparts, and will deliver remarks at an event hosted by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs to highlight the importance of the Department's collaboration with the international community on cybersecurity initiatives and critical infrastructure protection.

For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov

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