The Prime Minister's introduction at the press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

As delivered (transcribed)

Thank you, dear Mark,

Sometimes it happens in history that friends can make great steps forward because things come together. Everything the Prime Minister has said – I will simply say; this is a correct account of a relationship which is moving forward and deeper.

And I believe that the increased geopolitical focus on the Arctic is challenging and providing opportunities for Arctic states like Norway and Canada to come together. And since we are both pragmatic states, we have pragmatic governments and – I believe – pragmatic Prime Ministers, so we are making progress fast.

Thank you, Prime Minister, for referring to His Majesty the King Harald. When we met him in March, it was at Holmenkollen (Ski Arena) when he was sitting for yet another hour of observing Norwegian and international skiers. And I think we saw why Norwegians were so fond of His Majesty. You were there – and I appreciated that.

Since then, we have signed agreements on how to move forward. And today you have seen four pages summing up where we are right now. And I can hardly think of any bilateral partnership which is moving forward at the pace we do now with Canada; Canada and Norway. We do it with an Arctic perspective of securing stability, low tension and peace in the Arctic, which means that we have to look after security in new ways.

So, what we do on defense, on capabilities, on having exchange between our military, but also between planners and industry – and moving forward on polar research. All of that comes together as very important.

The submarine agreement from this summer and the intention of Canada to join Norway and Germany is the biggest contract in Canada, but will also have huge implications on our potential industrial cooperation – and we look forward to that.

Space is also developing as an important part for industrial activity, also for our defence capabilities. And since we are both located in the North, we know that Northern location gives opportunities for space which are unique. So, our space authorities will also work together. I have invited Canada to a space summit in Norway in February, where I hope to see Canadian representation.

And then there is energy, Prime Minister, where I think also Canada's development of its energy resources, ranging from oil and gas to wind, is another illustration of our industries coming together.

Et alors, finalement, si je peux dire quelques mots en français, c'est une amitié qui compte beaucoup pour nous. C'est une amitié qui unit deux pays situés de part et d'autre de l'Atlantique et qui partagent une perspective arctique. Et je tiens à saluer le Premier ministre pour son leadership sur la scène internationale et pour sa capacité à mettre les grandes questions à l'ordre du jour. Cela donne aussi une inspiration à notre coopération bilatérale. Donc, merci beaucoup.