The significance of the Nordic countries for the US was on display in Washington DC on 13 May 2016, when the five Nordic leaders visited the capitol for the Nordic Leaders Summit. Prime Ministers Lars Løkke Rasmussen (DK), Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson (I), Erna Solberg (N), Stefan Löfven (S) and President Sauli Niininsö (SF) were received by President Obama and Mrs. Obama at the White House before a morning of meetings. President Obama, President Niininstö, and Prime Minsiter Solberg shared remarks. Secretary of State hosted a luncheon for the Nordic Leaders in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Department, emphasizing shared concerns in matters of security, sustainability, and the Arctic, which the Nordic leaders affirmed in their own remarks. Scandinavian Studies Department Chair Andrew Nesitngen participated in the luncheon. The Nordic Leaders Summit concluded with a state dinner at the White House.