You mentioned at the Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus event that you consider Denmark one of the top five in terms of strong allies.  Would you elaborate on the cooperation that you see from Denmark?

Danish-American cooperation stretches back more than two centuries, and throughout that time our nations have partnered to improve the lives of both our peoples and preserve international security and stability.  In the Second World War we stood together against fascism, and during the Cold War we partnered through NATO to keep Western Europe free from the threat of communism imposed by force.  Denmark was the first country that voted to take action in Libya in 2011, and, just this week, it once again demonstrated its mettle and reliability in helping remove and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.  Moving ahead, Denmark’s leadership role in NATO and important contributions to ISAF in Afghanistan will surely continue to make it one of America’s most important strategic partners in meeting our shared twenty-first century global security challenges.  As we work together to strengthen bilateral ties and our shared efforts through multilateral institutions, our two nations will continue to draw closer.

Are there areas where there could be more cooperation and broader cooperation?  How do you see the relationship developing?

As the United States seeks ways to address the increasingly pressing challenge of climate change, we will be looking to countries like Denmark that have made strides in energy security and conservation for models of success.  Danish leadership in those areas as well as in international development and humanitarian aid continue to inspire Americans.  Additionally, a robust and growing trade in goods as well as in ideas and innovation will surely benefit both of our nations for years to come.

The American-Danish Business Council mission statement is to promote trade and investment between the US and Denmark – in fact Danish companies are establishing in the US and providing American jobs – what appropriate ways do you see that ADBC can work better with Congress to promote these goals?

In our global, interconnected economy, innovative businesses with the potential to reinvent and expand the marketplace often begin as cooperative projects spanning continents.  Increased cooperation between American and Danish researchers and innovators in science, technology, and manufacturing has the potential to help launch new businesses that can create jobs and benefit workers in both countries.  I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus to ensure that U.S.-Denmark economic cooperation receives the attention it deserves from policymakers in Washington.