MUNICH – Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on Saturday, February 14th, at the Munich Security Conference, a meeting anticipated to address escalating tensions between the United States and Europe, according to statements made by Støre to Norwegian press on Friday.
The meeting comes after a year marked by friction following President Donald Trump’s return to office and following a particularly pointed exchange of text messages between Trump and Støre, alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in January 2026. The text exchange, initiated by Støre and Stubb on January 18th, sought to de-escalate disagreements over Greenland, the conflict in Gaza, and newly announced U.S. Tariffs, according to a transcript released by the Senate Democrats.
Trump’s reply, but, revealed a direct link between international policy and perceived personal slights. He stated that because Norway had not awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize – despite his claim to have “stopped 8 Wars PLUS” – he “no longer feel[s] an obligation to think purely of Peace… but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” He further questioned Norway’s claim to Greenland, referencing historical landings by American vessels.
Støre acknowledged the unusual nature of the exchange, telling CNN that he had repeatedly informed Trump that the Nobel committee operates independently. He also noted that the 2024 prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, nominated by then-Senator Marco Rubio.
The upcoming meeting with Rubio is expected to focus initially on Ukraine, with Støre also intending to emphasize the importance of continued U.S. Cooperation in the Arctic region. “Preserving stability and cooperation in the north is important for the Americans, which also touches on Homeland Security,” Støre stated. “I know Marco Rubio knows this, but I will make sure he hears it from me as well.”
This year’s Munich Security Conference is taking place against a backdrop of heightened anxiety in Europe, following what attendees described as a “tordentale” address by U.S. Vice President JD Vance at last year’s event. The conference is viewed by many as an opportunity to recalibrate transatlantic relations in light of the shifting priorities of the Trump administration. Støre is also scheduled to meet with American congressmen on Friday, prior to his Saturday meeting with Rubio.
Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik has declined to comment on whether President Trump is satisfied with Norway’s current position, according to reporting by Nettavisen.
