Ladies and gentlemen,

During the apartheid years, Norway was represented by a Consul General in Cape Town. One of his main tasks was to stay in contact with and channel support to the anti-apartheid movement. Only when democratic development was well under way, in 1993, did we establish a full diplomatic representation in South Africa.

When we moved to Pretoria, we were a small operation with only five employees. But the steadily growing contacts between our two nations have made it necessary to expand the staff considerably. Today we have a total staff of 14, making Pretoria one of Norway's larger missions abroad.

As we have grown in numbers, larger premises have become necessary. New offices were found here in Hatfield, which is rapidly becoming the diplomatic centre of Pretoria. The staff moved in a few months ago.

Today I take pride in officially opening this new chancery. I have seen the splendid offices, and I understand from the staff that they are very pleased with their new working environment.

May I also take this opportunity to thank the authorities in Pretoria for their efforts to facilitate the establishment of the embassy - and for enabling us to run it so smoothly. The sudden influx of dozens of new foreign missions the last few years must have been a challenge, but a challenge I understand you have tackled most successfully.

I would also like to thank the representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs who are here today. Not only are you available at all hours, and most helpful to our staff. You have also worked hard in making sure my stay in South Africa will be an interesting and rewarding one. I am very grateful for that.

With these words, I hereby declare the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria officially open.