Check against delivery

Dear friends,

Introduction

I am delighted to speak to this eminent group of commercial and cultural movers and shakers.

My aim is to focus on the excellent Norwegian-German relations, particularly the economic aspects.

• Value of networks and organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the German School and other organisations and groups.
• Importance for bilateral relations.
• Personal bonds count.

Sports, football. Right now Germany is at the top of my agenda also due to the football. I am looking forward to the 2006 World Cup Finals, in only two days.

• Norway missed the opportunity to take part – so we will cheer for you!
• I will never forget the World Cup Finals in 1974. We have strong memories of the big names, like Sepp Maier, Paul Breitner, Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer, Wolfgang Overath, Gerd “der Bomber” Müller, and many, many others.
• The World Cup’s motto is “Die Welt zu Gast bei Freunden” – „Verden som gjest hos venner“ – „A time to make friends“. Freundschaft, friendship, vennskap.

Germany is Norway’s most important partner in Europe, in many areas. In a political context: Later I will say more about the opportunities for increased co-operation in the High North [– and by this term I do not mean Schleswig-Holstein…]. The ties are many, the bonds are close, the personal relations are good, and the networks work well.

My first message – economic ties:

The economic ties between our countries are strong. In total volume, Germany has been Norway's most important trading partner for several years, and is becoming increasingly important. For example:

• Norway provides Germany with 20 per cent of its oil and 25 per cent of its gas requirements. The proportion of gas supplied by Norway is expected to rise to more than 30 per cent of total German consumption by 2010. This could make us the biggest supplier of energy to Germany, superseding Russia.
• Germany is the largest purchaser of Norwegian natural gas, accounting for 30 per cent of our total gas exports. Expected to continue to rise in the future. E.ON Ruhrgas has become Norway’s single largest trading partner. The many pipelines to the continent create physical links.
• More than 100 Norwegian companies are established in Germany – and vice versa.

My second message – political ties:

Our political ties are also very strong. We have a broad range of common interests, and a shared set of political and moral values.

Germany a natural partner, we are like-minded, understand each other well.

Both believe in multilateral diplomacy and the rule of law in international politics. Both strong supporters of the UN system, multilateralism, a binding trading system. Both put emphasis on measures to promote peace and support fledging democracies.

I would like to briefly outline Norway’s foreign policy – the three main tracks:

• a) Our support for the development of an international legal system that regulates the use of force. Cooperation. Common solutions to the major issues.
• b) Partnership with our friends and allies – such as Germany, NATO, Nordic countries, EU, EEA, partnerships – the US, Russia.
• c) Promoting peace, reconciliation and development. We are privileged. This entails responsibility.

My third message – Europe:

Germany is a bridge into the European Union. As the largest Member State, Germany is of key importance in the European policy we pursue.

Brief outline of the main points and messages of the Government’s active European policy. White Paper. Comment the EU debate in Norway.

My fourth message – the High North:

The top priority issue is how to change people’s way of looking at this part of the world. How to “redraw” the map. What do we mean by “Nordområdene”.

Brief outline of the challenges, opportunities and developments in the High North:

• Rich fish and petroleum resources. Can provide valuable supplies to Germany and the rest of Europe.
• Vulnerability of the Arctic environment is vulnerable. There are large quantities of nuclear waste. Unsound management may have wide-ranging consequences.
• Links between our High North policy and our European policy. Germany is one of our key partners in Europe. Also a partner in the High North.
• Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) technology makes it possible to transport gas in large tankers. In late March, my colleague Dr Steinmeier and I travelled together to the north, to Hammerfest and Melkøya, the Snøhvit project, Norway’s first LNG project. The gas will be transported to the US. I understand that Germany planning to develop an LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven.
• Energy and the challenges of long-term energy security are at the top our agenda. Secure energy access and energy supply diversification. The EU Commission’s Green Paper on Energy.
• Our relations with Russia. Security, economic, environmental interests. People-to-people issues. Managing common fish stocks together.
• “Barents 2020” – a research and development programme. Invite Germany.

My fifth message - cooperation in other fields:

There is broad cooperation between Norway and Germany in a number of other fields, German companies operate on the Norwegian market, for example:

• Some 100 years ago Siemens established a subsidiary here. Today they have world-wide responsibility for supplies to the oil and gas industry

• E.ON Ruhrgas has provided a generation of Norwegian students and researchers with a broad scholarship programme.
• Color Line’s new cruise ferries between Norway and Germany have opened up the market for seminars and conferences.
• The Norwegian Consulate General will open again in Hamburg this autumn. Will be home to Innovation Norway’s trade, technology and tourism activities.

Conclusion. Culture, education, language:

• Germany has set the tone for much of Norwegian culture, and there are still close ties.
• Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Munch and Edvard Grieg spent many years in Germany, and were greatly influenced by German culture.
• Several of Ibsen’s plays, including A Doll’s House, had their world premieres on German theatre stages.
• Ibsen 2006: More than 400 Ibsen plays are to be performed on stages all over Germany.
• Today too, many Norwegian artists find their way or/and have moved permanently to Germany.
• Since Germany is one of our most important partners in the cultural, political and economic spheres, it is crucial that we boost German language skills and awareness and knowledge of German culture in Norway. There is still some work to do here. We should develop exchange programmes at all levels, including professional development for teachers, research cooperation, and closer cooperation between Norwegian and German education authorities in general. We should aim to ensure that our knowledge of Germany corresponds to the importance this country has for us. In one way or another, I am certain that the future activities of the German School will be secured.
• With these words I wish you all a wonderful Sommerfest and propose a toast to the relations between our two countries.