Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg

Speech at Veritas Centre
Polytechnical University, Gdansk, 4 July 2000

Dear Rector, dear Dean, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for receiving me here today.

The city of Gdansk vibrates with centuries of European history, trade and culture.

At the same time you are at the forefront of technological innovation and progress.

That is an unbeatable combination !

Poland and Norway are coastal states.

Throughout history, the sea has brought our peoples together. This was true in the era of the Vikings, and of the Hansa - and it is today.

Shipping and the maritime sector are strong pillars in our bilateral cooperation.

Poland is today an important market for our maritime industries. Norwegian ship owners have contracted a large number of ships at Polish yards.

Many Polish seamen, particularly from this region, serve on board Norwegian vessels.

The Polish and Norwegian maritime sector both faces the challenge of competing in the global marketplace.

Research & Development is a key to success.

Therefore the co-operation between this university and Det Norske Veritas is very important. This university enjoys a strong international standing. It has a lot to offer, especially in naval design.

I know that Det Norske Veritas highly values the close cooperation with the university.

Please accept this token of our appreciation and our best wishes for your further work.

(Gifts to the rector and to the dean)