18 March: Visit by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
As part of Exercise Cold Response 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit the exercise area in Northern Norway.
Registration for this event is now closed.
The NATO Secretary General will visit the exercise on Wednesday, 18 March, and will hold a press briefing with accredited media. Norwegia Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik, and Norway’s NATO Ambassador Anita Nergaard will also attend. In addition, representatives from the Norwegian Armed Forces’ leadership will be present.
There will be various photo opportunities, including a realistic demonstration of capabilities from the Norwegian Artillery Battalion, the U.S. Marine Corps, and other allied units. Among these capabilities are Norway’s K9 self-propelled howitzers, the U.S. HIMARS, and the Army’s air defence systems. Live firing with the K9 is planned, weather permitting.
Secretary General Rutte will give a brief statement on current security policy issues, followed by an open Q&A session with the press. One-on-one interviews with Foreign Minister Barth Eide and Defence Minister Sandvik will also be available.
Information for the press:
- How: The event requires advance registration. Media representatives who wish to participate may register via the link below. Registration deadline: 17 March at 12:00.
- When: Wednesday, 18 March. The event begins at approximately 14:00 and ends at 15:45. Latest arrival time for the press is 13:30.
- Where: Artillerisletta, Setermoen. Further details will be provided to registered media.
Press contact:
Per Gunnar Grosberghaugen
Telephone: +47 48 88 30 70
E-mail: pgrosberghau@mil.no
Registration deadline: 17 March 12:00 noon CET
Please note that participation may be subject to capacity limitations and operational considerations.
