Dinner Speech to Latvia's Prime Minister Guntars Krasts

Prime Minister Guntars Krasts,
Your Excellencies;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Dear guests,

Seven years ago when I was foreign minister, I had the good fortune of welcoming the first political leaders from the Baltic countries to arrive in Norway in fifty years. In early June 1990 the foreign ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania came to Oslo. At that time regaining the freedom and independence that were taken from you in 1940, was still a dream. The signs were there that your dreams might one day come true, but still more than a year remained until the three Baltic nations were to be restored as free and sovereign members of the international community. It is, therefore, a true pleasure for me to welcome you, Mr. Prime Minister, to this official visit to Norway.

Back in 1990 the visiting ministers made the following point: The level of development and prosperity which you had achieved in the Nordic countries might also have been ours if we had been allowed to choose for ourselves over those 50 years. Our visitors were right. Therefore, it is ever the more pleasant to note the dynamism with which Latvia and the other Baltic nations are making up for the lost years. In a short span of time - and at the same time having to cope with the heavy legacy of the past - you have managed an impressive turn around, restored democracy and the rule of law and laid the foundation for economic growth.

The results are already clearly visible. That is first and foremost important to the Latvian people. Let me, though, underscore that it is obviously of importance for Norway too. A prosperous, confident and democratic Latvia will be a significant contributor to peace and stability in our region. In short Latvia and the Baltic countries matter to us. My government will seek to develop a close partnership with you and the two other Baltic nations in all relevant spheres. I am happy to note that it is our intention to increase the overall relative share of the resources allocated to the Baltic countries under our cooperation programme with Eastern and Central Europe from 20 to 30 %.

We have come along way in forging new ties. We attach crucial importance to the inclusion of the Baltic countries into the larger European structures. At the Madrid summit Norway made it clear that the Alliance should be open to the Baltic countries. To day I would like to recommit our support for your membership aspirations.

President Vaclav Havel has characterized the re-integration of the Central and East European countries as their ”return to history”. Indeed, that is a good description of what has happened to the Baltic countries in relation to their Nordic neighbours. In a historical perspective we have been bound by close ties. The 50 years from 1940 to 1990 were an exception, not the rule. Over the last few years our Nordic-Baltic relationship has evolved into an ever increasing number of areas and now covers diverse issues as environmental protection, energy and defense and security cooperation. Latvia has offered her own fair share to this positive development and we are happy that you will host the next Baltic summit in Riga in January next year.

Both the Baltic and the Barents cooperation are important for integrating Russia into the European mainstream. As neighbours to Russia, both Norway and Latvia have an important role to play in this context. We are convinced that a stable and prosperous Europe can only be built with the full participation of Russia. We all have a responsibility to see to it that that happens.

Ladies and gentlemen;
Eastern Europe´s return to history first and foremost means the normalization of relations – between governments and authorities, between economies and last, but not least, between people. That is definitely also the case in the relationship between Norway and Latvia. The agreement to abolish visas means easier access for both our peoples. We have close and frequent contacts on the political level. In just a few days – I am pleased to note – we shall meet again in Helsinki on the marge of the Nordic Council.

Let me say a few words in particular on our economic relations. We started out at a low level, but now our cooperation comes close to a success story. Our mutual trade has tripled and approaches one billion Norwegian crowns. Norwegian investments in Latvia total some 700 - 800 million crowns. And with more to come. Some of the most dynamic Norwegian companies are actively engaged. They believe in the opportunities in Latvia. These are encouraging signs.

Let us now do what we can to let our relations be reflected in everyday life. Norwegian films are being shot in Latvia and the other day one of Norway´s most wellknown TV talkshows – Wesenstund – was even sent from Riga. Riga and Latvia are no longer distant places on a political map. They are increasingly becoming part of our expanded neighbourhood. That´s how it should be.

Prime Minister;
Since that memorable June morning in 1990 when I met the foreign ministers of the Baltic countries, we have come a long way. Still - important challenges lie ahead and hard work will be needed.

I think, though, that we can say without hesitation – we are on the right track. We are ready to do our part as we move on from here.

Let me again welcome you, Mr. Prime Minister; to this dinner in your honour at Akershus Castle. It is also a true pleasure to see your colleagues from Latvia and all distinguished guests here to night.

I raise my glass to you, Prime Minister, to all dear guests – to the future of Latvia and the friendship of our peoples !

Thank you.