Dinner Speech to  President  Joaquim Chissano of Mosambique

A little more than two years ago, my wife and I had the honour and pleasure of paying an official visit to Mozambique.

You received us with a warm welcome. So did the people of your country, and that warmed our hearts.

Just before we came, heavy rains caused the most serious flooding Mozambique had seen for decades. The rains continued after we left.

The scenes we saw of flooded villages and dislocated families were a reminder of how natural forces of great strength suddenly can reverse the results of man’s patient and lengthy labour.

But there was something that made an even greater impression, and that was your efforts to cope with the dramatic situation, with the help of good neighbours and the international community.

I don’t think any of us will forget the photos of the woman who gave birth in a tree. Both she and her baby were rescued. This was a powerful image of hope.

It is an honour therefore, to welcome you, President Chissano, on this official visit to Norway by a President of Mozambique.

I have been looking forward to this dinner with good friends of Norway and Mozambique.

Norway this year celebrates 50 years of Norwegian development assistance.

Some do not view this as a cause for celebration, simply because there is still underdevelopment, and because millions live in deep poverty.

But we should not overlook what has been achieved. There is cause for celebration.

We have not yet eradicated poverty. But many people’s lives have improved. Many communities and societies have made great strides. And what is the aim of development cooperation, if not to improve people’s lives?

Also, this anniversary is an occasion for us in Norway to reconfirm our strong and lasting commitment to development.

Freedom from poverty is more than just surviving. It is also being able to master one’s own life and destiny, and being able to provide for oneself and one’s family, in communities which offer work and participation.

I will not forget the happy smiles of the boys we met at Bairro de Zimpeto in Maputo, at the centre for rehabilitation of street children. This centre gives children who used to live on the streets the hope of a better life.

Fighting Poverty and ensuring development is today the world community’s most pressing challenge.

And I see reasons for optimism: We are seeing a much stronger recognition among global leaders that it is in our strong common interest to make real and credible progress, and win the battle against poverty.

We saw it at the UN Millennium Summit. We saw in Monterrey in Mexico last month. We must make sure it is seen at Johannesburg in September.

Still, at the beginning of a new century, many African nations are faced with staggering difficulties:

Poverty is widespread, growth is very uneven, disease is spreading and taking a terrible toll. Regional conflicts cause devastating setbacks.

But there is also a new sense of confidence and responsibility among a number of African leaders. Democratic processes are strengthened and communities mobilized. There is growing awareness that good governance is essential.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) reflects this.

It signals a clear will to put first what must come first.

NEPAD is being developed by Africa’s leaders, with African ownership. We congratulate Africa on this initiative, which holds great promise. We support your efforts.

Mr President,

For years, development policy was largely defined by donors. The developing countries too easily became receivers and objects of development.

This may have had its reasons. But as we know, the developing countries themselves must take full responsibility for their own development.

And the development relationship must be a partnership, with shared responsibilities.

You yourself spoke eloquently about this partnership this morning.

Building a partnership is not always easy. But I am proud to say that Norway and Mozambique have come a long way in building this close and trusted partnership for development.

It reaches 25 years back. Now, Mozambique is among our most important partners. And the relationship has matured, and has become much broader.

We both wish to see commercial and industrial development become a more important part of this partnership.

The energy sector holds great potential.

We are both rich in hydropower resources. For Norway, hydropower was instrumental in the industrialization of the country early in the last century. It was the basis for our industrial development, and – most important – for investment in health and education. This in its turn allowed the country to take great strides, from poverty towards welfare for all.

Our experience is not without relevance to that of Mozambique. And remember - this is only a hundred years ago.

We also both have important oil and gas resources. Again, the sustainable development of Norway’s petroleum resources has been essential to the development of our modern welfare state. There are experiences to be shared with Mozambique also in this area.

Tomorrow you will be opening a seminar on energy, focussing on hydropower and gas. I hope this will help release the potential for cooperation in the energy field, so that your rich energy resources can be put to use for the benefit the people of Mozambique.

Mr President,

I want to thank you for coming to Norway. We have had very good talks today.

Mozambique has made great strides forward: Towards healing the wounds of war and conflict – like you said this morning - and towards overcoming poverty and underdevelopment.

Your continued commitment to promoting the welfare of your people, and most of all the most disadvantaged among them, is crucial to the future.

Norway will stand by Mozambique, and we will work with you.

We are privileged to have a close and open relationship. The dialogue between us is a vital part of this relationship.

It reflects common aims. It is also nourished by a recognition of shared global destinies, as our nations walk on paths that are new to us all, into the new Millennium.

Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to join me in a toast to President Chissano, to our guests and to continued fruitful relations between our two countries.

Khanimbambo.