As delivered

Good afternoon. It has been my pleasure to welcome to Norway the President of the State of Palestine, Mr. Abbas, who we know well. And I am happy to receive him for the first time since Norway in 2024 – together with Spain and Ireland – recognized the State of Palestine.

Palestinians are living under extraordinarily difficult conditions. In Gaza, which has been ravaged by war, in the West Bank, which is under constant pressure politically, but also with military pressure against their people from settlers and from the steps of more annexation.

Norway is supporting a process of peace towards a two-state solution. It may seem hard today to get to this level, but it is still the political vision we have to strive for. And the Palestinians have the right to have their state, living side by side in peace with Israel. That will require major steps from both sides.

We will be supporting a process of reform of the Palestinian Authority; we will always expect that they live up to standards of transparency and good governance. And we will also be expecting from Israel that they respect fundamental rules and regulations under international law. This has always been Norway's position and it will continue to be so.

We will support, to the extent we can, the reconstruction of Gaza. Norway chairs the donor group of support to the Palestinian Authority, the AHLC, and we will work with the Americans and other partners to see how that can still play a role in the major and complex reconstruction and undertaking that is needed in Gaza.

We want to see the Palestinian people governed by democratic institutions. That is why we welcome plans for elections at the local level and also, ultimately, at the national level. And we will continue to make our voice very clearly heard on the democratic criteria that should govern Palestine.

Let me then make one specific point. There is money connected to Israel that is Palestinian tax money. And that money has to be released, to the Palestinian Authority for the benefit of the Palestinian people. This will be something Norway will be communicating very clearly.

Ultimately, we have to work towards a structure where the people of Palestine are governed by Palestinians under the rule of law. That was the main point of our formal recognition; that the Palestinians have the right to be treated with the rights and obligations under the UN Charter.

I know, Mr. President, that you are a man of democratic instincts and motivation, and I look forward to continue our talks during your visit here to Norway today. Thank you.