Your Excellency, Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,

We are seated tonight in the medieval heart of Norway, where kings and queens have made their mark on my country’s history.

We welcome the distinguished President of the Islamic State of Afghanistan, from a country with its own deep roots in history.

Asia is a living body, and Afghanistan its heart,

wrote the poet-philosopher Mohammad Iqbal a century ago. This we observe as we welcome President Karzai and his delegation on their official visit to Norway.

Mr. President, you have just been to Germany to celebrate the first anniversary of the Bonn Agreement. Looking back on this historic achievement, we all agree that substantial progress has been made.

For this, President Karzai, I commend you.

A legitimate Afghan transitional government is in place. A democratic political process has started that will culminate in general elections in 2004.

A serious humanitarian crisis has been avoided. Recovery and reconstruction are under way. Girls and women are back at school. Women are again allowed to work. Nearly two million Afghan refugees have returned from neighbouring countries within less than a year.

Your government is facing great challenges. There are destructive forces from the past. The security situation is still fragile in many parts of your country. Without security there will be no true economic and social progress for the people of Afghanistan.

Therefore, your government’s decision to create a professional, multi-ethnic Afghan national army and police force is key. The disarmament and demobilisation of ex-combatants must go hand in hand with their reintegration into civilian life. Only in this way can sustainable peace and stability be achieved.

The Afghans are proud and courageous. You love freedom and your homeland. You are well-known for your generous hospitality.

These qualities are part of “Afghanhood.” Today, these qualities manifest themselves in your government’s emphasis on peace and reconstruction. They manifest themselves in inviting the international community to cooperate with Afghanistan as partners in the efforts to ensure stability.

Afghanistan is at the crossroads between the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Your country has been a meeting place of civilizations and religions. The Silk Road to China passed through Afghanistan. Alexander the Great and the Djengis Khan invaded Afghan territory. The ethnic group of the Hazaras in your country are said to be descendants of that most feared Mongol ruler.

Wars and invasions have been part of the Afghan experience for far too long.

Everyone, Afghan and historic invader alike, however, is moved by the country’s beauty and the dignity of its people.

Since 1984, Norway has sought to assist and cooperate in a humanitarian role in Afghanistan. Norwegian non-governmental organisations have made a contribution. During these years we have sought to pay particular attention to girls’ opportunities for education and the rights of women.

I know that the Taliban policy on women was not a reflection of true Islam. In a traditional saying the Prophet Mohammed expresses: “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers,” a saying that should in fact be heeded by men of all religions.

Since the fall of the Taliban regime relations between Norway and Afghanistan, as between Afghanistan and the world community, have entered a new era.

My Government has concentrated its efforts in contributing to stability in the Kabul area. Norwegians participate in the International Security Assistance Force. We disburse funds to humanitarian as well as more long-term development cooperation in Afghanistan. And we plan to maintain our assistance in 2003.

My Government has a long-standing commitment to the people of Afghanistan who have suffered more than 20 years of war. Your people, Mr. President, deserve peace and prosperity. Norway, together with the international community, will do its best to assist your government in achieving that goal.

We are proud to have a sizable Afghan community in Norway. You met some of them earlier today. They are assets in the cooperation between our two countries, and they contribute to the reconstruction of a new and prosperous Afghanistan.

Today, you have discussed the road ahead with Norwegian government ministers. Tomorrow, I look forward to deepening our personal relations when we meet for political talks in my office.

Your Excellency,

Let me propose a toast to peace and prosperity in Afghanistan, and to the friendship between our two nations.