China for being responsible for a computer breach leaking emails at the Storting that occurred in March, saying: "After a thorough review of our intelligence information, it is our assessment that the very serious data breach against the Storting was carried out from China. Several of our allies, the EU and Microsoft have also confirmed this". After the Taliban started to take back control of cities in Afghanistan, Søreide announced at a press conference in August 2021 that Norway would be temporarily closing its embassy in Kabul. She emphasised concerns over the growing violence in the country as a result of Taliban's increased activity. At the end of August, U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, via a statement, thanked Søreide and Norwegian health personal at the field hospital who treated 50 victims of a terror attack at the Kabul Airport on 26 August; for their effort. A week before the 2021 election, Søreide expressed concerns about the country's relation with NATO and the EU should the Red Party gain influence to affect a possible red-green government. Labour leader Jonas Gahr Støre rebuffed her concerns and specified that: "for the Labour Party to head a government, EEA and NATO relations and responsible economic control has to be the basis". Søreide joined prime minister Erna Solberg at the UN summit in September. Søreide expressed that she had expectations for U.S President Joe Biden, notably that he might focus on domestic issues and put America first, but still indicate his dedication to international cooperation. In early October, Søreide expressed concerns following Ethiopia's declaration of persona non grata against seven UN humanitarian workers. She also expressed worry for the consequences if the Ethiopian government continued to limit dialog, aid and cooperation with the international community. Storting committees 2021–present: Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence 2009–2013: Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence 2005–2009: Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Research and Church Affairs 2001–2005: member of the Standing Committee on Education, Research and Church Affairs References |- |- |- 1976 births 21st-century Norwegian politicians 21st-century Norwegian women politicians Conservative Party (Norway) politicians Female defence ministers Foreign Ministers of Norway Living people Members of the Storting People from Lørenskog Waldorf school alumni Women government ministers of Norway Female foreign ministers Women members of the Storting Norwegian women diplomats Defence ministers of Norway