Prime Minister,

Excellencies

Distinguished guests

Mr. Prime Minister, when we met here in Islamabad a year ago, I came straight from the fertile plains of Gujrat. This land between the rivers is the ancestral home of most Norwegians of Pakistani origin.

Today, I come straight from the valleys and mountains of the North West Frontier Province, which along with the neighbouring Kashmir has been so cruelly struck by the devastating earthquake of October 8th.

Both these visits have brought home to me the strong ties between our two countries and our two peoples.

People of Pakstani origin are the largest ethnic community on Norway.

I believe this to be unique among European countries.

Many of the first generation of Pakistani immigrants came during times of shortage of labour, and these immigrants took jobs particularly in the service sector and kept our society going.

In the capital Oslo, where I grew up myself, almost “everyone” know someone who is of Pakistani origin.

Today, the second generation of Pakistanis, those born in Norway and who are raised with our culture enter new fields of society, - business, law, academia, politics and media. Many of them are the best and the brightest of their cohorts.

On the other hand there are families who do not integrate so well, and some – often women - have never learnt to speak Norwegian.

One of the greatest challenges facing the new Government of Norway will be to implement successful policies for integration, equal rights and equal opportunity.

Today, we have signed an agreement on family affairs. It deals with how we should work together when there are problems with families, with forced marriages, - which is illegal in both our countries, - or regarding the relations between children and their parents.

The initiative leading to this agreement was taken when I was Prime Minister four years ago. I am particularly delighted to sign it here today.

Prime Minister, it follows from what I have said that Pakistanis are strongly present in Norway.

That is also why the earthquake struck such a chord of sympathy and dismay in my country. It seems that the quake has united Pakistanis wherever they live. Pakistanis in Norway are standing up for fellows, friends, and family. We do not know the full extent of this massive, spontaneous support

The Norwegian people – through voluntary organizations are giving tangible support. And the public contributions committed as grants exceed 75 millon US dollars.

Let me also express our gratitude and respect to the representatives of the many emergency relief organizations, be they Pakistani, Norwegian or international, for their dedication and commitment. Their efforts save lives every day.

There is a Pashto proverb, which simply says “The Friend Appears at Hard Times, Not at Dinners”.

Sir, we have joined you tonight for dinner – but we have also come at a hard time. Norway wishes to deepen its friendship with Pakistan.

I am very pleased to note the emphasis on partnership in the field of primary education, governance and culture. The openness which with Pakistan embraces a Human Rights-based approach to development is encouraging.

I wish the economic relations between Pakistan and Norway were stronger. I am pleased to note, however, that the company Telenor is investing massively.

Pakistan is situated in a part of the world that has had more than its share of tension and strife.

We are hoping that there will be progress in the composite dialogue with India.

We both hope that Afghanistan will soon enjoy development and growth. Pakistan’s contribution will be important in this regard.

Pakistan is also an important ally in the fight against terrorism, striving to make the world a safer place for all.

The Pashto-speaking also say of friends that “When They Take Their Meals Apart, Their Aims and Objects Become Separate”. We are indeed privileged to be your guests tonight and to share this meal with you.

Prime Minister, we have come to pay our respect for the victims and bereaved. We do so through you and your government, and towards all those we have met.

Norway and Pakistan will remain inextricably linked by people, families and friends. I believe we can share the saying:” It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” I shall never forget what we have seen today. The look in the eyes of all those people. But there were many who radiated hope, defiance and willpower. I believe this country – and also the quake struck regions will have a prosperous future. And I wish you success in that great endeavour.