BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — On Thursday, North Dakota state lawmakers welcomed a European visitor to Bismarck. Axel Dittman, the deputy ambassador to Germany, gave an address to both the House and Senate chambers. Dittman has served for over 20 years as a diplomat and came to North Dakota to talk about the current economy in Europe, as well as military spending and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia. Standard Time bill hearing brings out opponents to the plan "The United States is and has been for the last decades the guarantor of security in Europe. And we are extremely grateful for that," Dittman said. "I'm here in North Dakota. We spoke about the nuclear missile silos, and they also guarantee security in Europe. And we are grateful for that." Also, this week, Germany's parliament elected a new speaker, Julia Kloeckner from the Christian Democratic Union of Germany or CDU party. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less