Speech at dinner for President Lee, South Korea

Check against delivery

Your Excellency, President Lee

We warmly welcome you to Norway.

It is an honour to receive you here at Akershus Castle.

Visitors to Korea are always impressed by the politeness and hospitality of your people.

This was also my experience when I visited Seoul in March for the Nuclear Security Summit.

Tonight, I hope to return at least some of this kindness and hospitality.

***

Mr President,

In geographical distance we are far apart. But in politics and economics we are growing closer and closer.

And even the geographical distance between us is becoming shorter. The Northern Sea Route offers tremendous opportunities for increased trade and cooperation.

In the Arctic we are already working together.

The Republic of Korea is Norway’s second largest trading partner in Asia.

We enjoy close cooperation in shipping and the offshore industry. We also see developing ties in new areas like seafood, technology and energy.

Our ambition is to further strengthen our political, economic and research cooperation.

***

Mr President,

More than 60 years ago, Norway responded to a call from the UN to help defend peace and security in your country. 

623 Norwegian women and men served in NORMASH – the Norwegian Army Surgical Hospital – between 1951 and 1954.

War is always ugly. But the long-lasting friendships between Koreans and NORMASH Norwegians are many and beautiful.

Nils Egelien, the President of the Norwegian Korean War Veterans Association, who is present this evening, has called Korea his second home country.

He has said that, “The Republic of Korea has a world record in showing gratitude to the foreign war veterans.”

We are also happy to have Chul-Ho Lee, or Mr Lee as he is known in Norway, with us this evening.

16 years old he was severely injured by a shell splinter in the Korean War. It was uncertain whether he would survive. But he was brought to Norway and successfully operated on in Oslo.

He decided to stay in Norway. With two empty hands he established several successful business ventures.

He introduced Korean noodles and innovations such as Ginseng bread to the Norwegian people.

And always with a big smile. 

We are also happy to have Synne Sun Løes present. She is the author of the first novel translated directly from Norwegian to Korean.

She is an excellent representative of the many thousand adoptees from Korea. They have given their Norwegian parents tremendous joy, and have helped build bridges between our countries.

***

Mr President,

In March I visited Panmunjeom inside the demilitarised zone.

I passed the famous Bridge of No Return.

I saw the gigantic North Korean flag.

And I literally looked the North Korean soldiers in the eye.

The visit helped me understand your security challenges.

It helped me understand even better your deep wish to see the Korean people reunited in a peaceful, democratic state.

Mr President, I want you and the Korean people to know that this is a wish we fully support and share.

***

Mr President,

We all admire the remarkable transformation of the Republic of Korea.

Out of the ruins of a country ravaged by war, you have created a dynamic and highly sophisticated economy.

We are impressed by your increasingly prominent role on the international stage.

You are member of the G20.

And you are the home to some of the most competitive and well-known companies in the world.

A couple of generations ago, the Republic of Korea was a developing country. Today you are a donor country.

Mr President, your own life is a good illustration of the Republic of Korea’s development. From a humble beginning, you became the chief executive of a major company before you were elected to the highest office in your country.     

***

Mr President,

Norwegians have very fond memories of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Now we are eagerly waiting to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

We know that once again you will  host a well organised sport event that will impress the world.

And Norway – again – hope to win many olympic medals…

***

Your Excellency,

Once again, welcome to Norway.

Thank you, and allow me to propose a toast in honor of our guests.