Prime Minister Ecevit, Madame Ecevit,
Distinguished guests,

During many decades, one name communicated to the world the aspirations of democracy for Turkey.

That name was Bülent Ecevit.

During the 1970ies I was myself a young political activist. I can remember that Bülent Ecevit became a symbol of the struggle for democracy in a country in transition.

The world needs such symbols.

They offer inspiration.

They offer hope.

During these many years of friendship, you have come here on numerous occasions, in different capacities, as party leader, and as a minister. Some of the many friends you have made in this country are with us here tonight.

Prime Minister,

It is an honour for me to wish you a warm welcome here today.

In 1978 Prime Minister Odvar Nordli welcomed Prime Minister Ecevit on an official visit to Norway.

Today – 22 years later, you pay us yet another official visit as Prime Minister of Turkey.

This says much about your personality, and about the longstanding relationship between our two countries.

Turkey is Norway’s partner. Turkey is Norway’s ally.

Norwegians have travelled to Turkey for centuries.

We have come to explore, to trade, and – today, in vast numbers – to relax and enjoy as holidaymakers. We come to enjoy Turkish hospitality, your rich cultural history and the beauty of the Anatolian lands and its coast.

Viking explorers returned from ancient Constantinople with fascinating tales. They called it Miklagard, the magnificent city.

Right here, at Akershus Castle, lie the remains of King Sigurd Jorsalfar - the Norwegian Viking King who travelled the world. He symbolises ancient links between our lands.

King Sigurd visited Miklagard in the early twelfth century. He became a great admirer of the city. There he fell in love with a beautiful lady. This was indeed an early version of globalisation.

More recently, our two countries have taken important steps to deepen and broaden our bilateral relations.

Political consultations have increased. There are new interchanges between organisations, press and culture.

Human rights issues have become an integral and important part of our bilateral agenda.

We are committed to the same values. Numerous non-governmental organisations and personalities work together and underpin official contacts. Several of them are represented here today. I welcome their commitment to enhance and deepen our relations in this important area.

We see promising new interest in business and commercial exchanges. The energy sector, both hydro-power and oil and gas, offer important prospects. Norway has considerable competence in the energy sector. There is great potential for enhanced long-term cooperation in this area to the mutual benefit of our two countries.

Cultural exchanges are increasingly important. The community of people of Turkish origin that live in Norway enrich our society.

Mr Prime Minister,

Norway and Turkey are located at the outskirts of Europe.

And Europe is what binds us together.

European civilisation – to which your country has contributed so much.

European security – to which we are committed as allies.

Europe was at the heart of the agenda when you visited Norway as Prime Minister in 1978. Europe was also at the core of our talks today.

Europe is going through an historic transformation. We wish to be part of it.

Under your leadership, Turkey is taking historic steps towards European integration. This process is based on the fundamental, shared values of our societies.

You have been showing an important way. Your position on the abolition of the death penalty is a hallmark of a civilised European nation.

Turkey’s ability to promote peace and integration among all population groups living on your territory is another benchmark for progress.

This progress will help set the course towards membership in the European Union.

Turkey’s clear interest to join is a vote for the key role of the European Union in European integration.

The European Union’s readiness to open its doors to Turkey is a vote for the democratic course that you have charted for your country.

Europe will welcome Turkey.

Because Turkey has much to offer Europe.

And Europe has much of value to Turkey.

What we witness is the extension of the immense cultural and commercial exchange that for more than two millennia has flown between the civilisation straddling the Bosphorus and European lands to the North and the West.

Turkey is at Europe’s crossroads with the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

A crossroads of cultures.

A crossroads of civilisations.

A crossroads of religions.

Mr Prime Minister,

Today, you lead a modern Turkey towards closer European co-operation and integration. It is an enormous challenge.

Your experience as a statesman, your devotion to human dignity and democratic values will be of immense value in these efforts. I am convinced that you will succeed in your endeavours.

The Vikings sailed your seas. One of them came back and noted:

He who has once drunk of the Bosphorus, will always thirst for more".

Norwegians who have visited Turkey long to come back to your beautiful country.

I would like to thank you tonight for coming back to Norway, today, and on many earlier occasions during a long political life.

I would like to give you this little set of photographs taken of you with many of my predecessors as Norwegian prime ministers, as a memento of your many visits to my country.

You are always a most welcome guest.

I ask you to join me in a toast to Prime Minister and Mrs Ecevit and to the friendship and co-operation between our two nations!