Dinner Speech to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In my country, as in yours, public men and women are proud to be the servants of the State, and would be ashamed to be its masters.

I am a child of my country’s National Assembly, the Storting. I was brought up to believe in democracy:

Trust the people. That is the message.

The idea of this message, deer host and colleague, our two nations share. I am proud to be here, representing my country at this special moment of responsibility.

Norway and Israel are fairly young states, Norway is approaching its 100 years of independence in 2005. The sizes of our populations are also about the same. The spirit of individualism is solidly ingrained in both our peoples.

Since the state of Israel was proclaimed fifty years ago, we have enjoyed the best of relations. In fact, Norway established a consulate in Tel Aviv even before the state of Israel was a reality, in 1938. In 1947, Norway voted in the United Nations in favour of the establishment of the state of Israel.

In the hearts and minds of the Norwegian people Israel has held a special place. This is reflected in Norwegian foreign policy. We defend Israel's rightful place among nations. We have promoted her right to participate in international co-operation.

Prime Minister,

I hope that my presence here today can manifest the very close relations between our two countries. My visit is a symbol of the close personal ties that exist between leaders and politicians of our two nations.

Prime Minister,

We sense a strong interest in pursuing peace by all Israeli Governments.

As a long-lasting friend of Israel, Norway has a wish and a will to assist in whatever way we can. The endeavour is a peaceful outcome of the conflict in the Middle East.

Norway is involved in different fields related to the peace process. We emphasise the importance of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee, where Norway holds the chairmanship. We work hard to fill our role dutifully as head of the TIPH mission in Hebron. We stay involved in the important People-to-People programme.

Norwegian governments have taken that same position: The best way to demonstrate a friendship is to be supportive and to respect decisions that are taken by those responsible for a nation’s security and well-being.

At the same time, we stress that our Israeli and Palestinian friends continue the dialogue and the arduous search for mutual benefits.

We are at a crucial time in the peace process. Behind us lies the Wye River Memorandum. Ahead lie the final status negotiations. In between we have the fifth anniversary of the interim period and elections in Israel.

As we have seen in the past, events like these on the political calendar can generate an atmosphere of uncertainty.

It is therefore more important than ever that signed agreements are implemented.

Prime Minister,

Israel is used to relying on her own strength. Yet Israel has many friends, and friends can always be relied upon. It has been a privilege for my country to be able to contribute to the peace process. We still hope that we can contribute in the coming months and years.

I thank you for your warm welcome. I thank you for the hospitality afforded to me and my delegation.

I propose a toast for the continued fruitful co-operation and friendship between our two peoples.

Skål and "Lehaiim"
Thank you.