Speech at reception at King David Hotel

 

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Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,

I am touched to be back in the city of cities, the Holy City of Jerusalem.

I have visited Jerusalem and Israel several times before and it always leaves a great impression on me. Yet, this is my first time in Jerusalem as Prime Minister. In fact, not since 1961 has a Norwegian Prime Minister been in Israel on an official visit.

Norway and Israel have enjoyed the best of relations ever since Norway established a consulate in Tel Aviv in 1938. In 1947, Norway voted in the Untied Nations in favour of the establishment of the state of Israel.

In the hearts and minds of the Norwegian people Israel has had a special place. This has been strongly reflected in Norwegian foreign policy. At the same time, Norway has established close relations to the Palestinian Authorities and the Palestinian people.

Norway is committed to the peace process. We will support the parties in their implementation of the signed agreements to the best of our ability. We must also retain our focus on supporting growth and stability in the Palestinian economy.

When the political process is prey to uncertainty, we must keep building hope for the future by intensifying our efforts in the socio-economic field. Social and economic progress, with improvements in living conditions, is a condition for long-term reconciliation. It is a condition for peace.

You here tonight have in different ways worked for closer and broader relations between Norway and Israel. You have worked for greater understanding between the peoples of the region.

I express my admiration to the Norwegians who, on a voluntary basis, work in churches and in Christian and humanitarian organisations. My warmest thanks to our Honorary Consuls General and Consuls. You have for years assisted Norwegians and promoted Norway in Israel.

I express my appreciation to all of you who on behalf of Norway work for peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, through the People-to-People programme. I greet not least the Norwegians who together with representatives of five other nations do their utmost to reduce tension in the city of Hebron through the Temporary International Presence.

I have had two extraordinary and fruitful days here.

I have met with the political and religious leaders in Israel and on the Palestinian side. I have met with representatives of the opposition on each side. Everywhere I have been received in an open, constructive and utterly positive way.

This is a manifestation of Norway's close and strong ties.

For all of you I would like to propose a toast; thank you and "skål".