LONDON — Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday is making his first trip as secretary to Norway, which many don’t realize is a close defense partner to the United States in both industry and overseas missions.

Carter arrived in Norway on Thursday and will meet with Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide. The two are likely to discuss Norway’s contribution to deterring Russian aggression in eastern Europe as well as its participation in the counter-Islamic State fight, and are expected to hold a joint press conference in Oslo on Friday.