Pawlenty urges Norway to keep Minnesota consulate open

St. Paul, Minn. — (AP) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants Norway to keep its consulate open in Minneapolis.

The governor has sent a letter asking Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Christian Strommen to reconsider the recommendation that Norway close its consulate in Minneapolis.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to convert consulates in Minneapolis and Edinburgh, Scotland, to "honorary" status while opening new consulates in China and Spain.

In his letter, Pawlenty cites the close ties between Norway and Minnesota - and says collaboration between the two should increase, not decrease.

The governor points out that more than 800,000 Minnesota residents claim Norwegian ancestry.

Minneapolis Consul General Rolf Hansen says the final decision will be made by the Norwegian parliament as part of the budget, probably in early December.

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