Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store recently addressed comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Nobel Peace Prize. As Trump himself put it in a text message, “Sad! He threw a hissy fit over not being given the World’s Most Beautiful Honor by Norway. In his letter, Trump clearly stated that this drastic move changed his heart to seek peace above all.
Trump shared that Norway’s refusal to give him a Nobel Peace Prize set him free. Partly because he felt liberated to stop making peace the exclusive priority. This declaration surprised political leaders and analysts on both sides of the aisle, as it implied a profound change in Trump’s previously combative diplomatic style. The statements drew renewed attention to U.S. interests in Greenland, a cause favored by Trump since at least last year.
Norwegian Prime Minister Store issued a strong rebuke Trump’s claims, doubling down on Norway and Europe’s dedication to the principles of peace and diplomacy. He further reassured the audience that the Nobel Peace Prize is merit-based, with no political motives involved. It too does not bend to the political winds, or to conventional wisdom. The store’s reprimand illustrated Norway’s determination to defend the purity of the award. This esteemed award has recognized a number of deserving individuals and organizations for their important work to further the cause of global peacemaking.
The public discussion of Greenland too came back into focus, with Trump repeating his administration’s desire to see the territory under U.S. control. This decades-long dream has roused significant criticism, concern and skepticism from a variety of stakeholders. From the perspective of Norwegian diplomats, it is nothing more than an unwelcome assertion of supremacy over their own sovereign territory.
Store’s comments are a fitting reminder of Norway’s contribution to international diplomacy and its long history of promoting peace. He also highlighted that the country is firmly committed to advancing collaboration and partnership between countries. It achieves this in spite of anyone’s personal awards-winners wish list.
