Speech at dinner for President Thein Sein, Myanmar

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Mr President,

Welcome to Norway.

We are honoured that Norway is first stop on your first official visit to Europe.  

This sends a clear signal: Your Government wants to develop strong and extensive cooperation between our countries.  

Mr President, my Government shares this aim.

We have a long history of relations to build on. Way back in the 1850s, Norwegian ships were transporting tropical timber and rice from Burma.
In 1882 alone, 41 Norwegian vessels called on Yangon, one of them was even named Birma.

I am pleased to see that Norwegian companies again are investing in and trading with Myanmar. Tonight we are happy to have with us CEOs from major Norwegian companies – Statoil, Telenor, Yara, Statkraft, Wilh. Wilhelmsen and DNV.

In 1940 Aung San – the father of Aung San Suu Kyi – left Burma on a Norwegian cargo ship to seek support for Burmese independence.

Last summer we could finally welcome Aung San Suu Kyi in Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Over the last decades, we have hosted the Democratic Voice of Burma. Tomorrow you will be interviewed by this broadcaster – one of the strongest voices against the former military regime.

Now the Democratic Voice of Burma is preparing to relocate to Myanmar to help build a more open society.

I think it is hard to find a better illustration of the positive changes taking place in your country.

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Mr President,

You have been courageous.

For decades, your country was best known for military rule and repression.

But your people never lost hope in a better future. And two years ago you changed Myanmar’s course towards democracy and inclusiveness.  

The changes in Myanmar under your leadership have been remarkable.

Finally, after 60 years of internal conflict, peace in the whole country seems within reach.

This will benefit Asia and the whole world. But first and foremost it will benefit your own citizens.

Still, the journey is far from over. There are a lot of challenges to address.

Long-term stability will depend on political reforms and more equitable distribution of wealth and income. 

It will take time to recover from decades of economic stagnation and conflict.
It will require strong political leadership, patience and hard work on the part of everyone in Myanmar.
And it will require strong friendships in the international community.

A successful transformation will again give Myanmar a place among the leading nations of Asia. And it will demonstrate how peace and unity can be achieved in a country of great diversity.

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Mr President,

Norway has been a friend of Myanmar. We will continue to be so. We are happy to share experience that can be of relevance.

Both our countries are rich in natural resources. Sound resource management has been important for Norway’s prosperity. It will also be so for Myanmar. We are happy to share our experience in this area with you.

We will support the efforts and dialogue that are necessary to secure a just and lasting peace.

And as a friend we will speak up when developments give cause for concern. As a friend we will help to find solutions.  

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Mr President,

In November last year I visited your country. I saw firsthand the transformation taking place. And I visited some of its extraordinary treasures.

I will never forget my visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Its beauty and sheer size are breathtaking.

Tonight I hope to return some of the hospitality and friendliness extended to me, my wife and my delegation when we were in Myanmar.

And I hope your visit to Norway will be useful and inspiring in your continued efforts to transform Myanmar into a dynamic economy and a true democracy.           

Once again, welcome to Norway Mr President.

I propose a toast for successful long-term cooperation between our countries.