Ambassador,
Minister,
Mayor of Trondheim,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be here, and for the opportunity to say a few words at the opening of "Britain in Norway - Trondheim Week". It seems that you have caught Trondheim's attention already, judging by the number of guests at this kick off arrangement.

First of all, let me say that I find this week's program very impressing. One full week of conferences, lectures, exhibitions, meetings, food and book promotion, and much more. I have been told that even British policemen will be patrolling the streets of Trondheim this week. It is probably not possible for the residents of this city to miss the fact that Britain is now visiting Trondheim.

Britain is one of Norway's closest and most important neighbours. Our long-standing relationship is based on strong historical, cultural and economic links. Let me give you a few examples:

We share a common history dating back to before year 1000

Britain is by far Norway's most important trading partner in terms of Norwegian export, and the third largest country in terms of Norwegian imports.

Despite our different affiliations to the European Union, the two countries often share the same views and interests.

There are approximately 4,000 Norwegian students in British universities today. No country in the world has more Norwegian students than Britain.

Britain is considered to be one of Norway's most important markets for selling Norway as a travelling destination.

It is tempting to mention that Norwegians have scored a lot of goals in British Premier League this season.

Much of the close links between Norway and Britain can be explained simply by looking at the map. There is limited geographical distance between us, and the fact that we share a heavy reliance to the sea and all it's riches gives impetus for co-operation and interaction.

The most obvious sector of common interest is the petroleum sector. Petroleum related products constitute approximately 80 percent of Norway's export to Britain, and this is a field of extensive co-operation between Britain and Norway. This week's focus on the petroleum sector and on energy illustrates the fact that this is an area of great importance to both of us, and that co-operation is a fruitful endeavour.

However, I am pleased to see that this week's events elaborate many other areas for co-operation, such as food, science and innovation, finance and investment, regional co-operation between Norfolk and Trøndelag, and, again, football.

I am particularly pleased to see that there is a strong focus on education, science, and knowledge. Both Britain and Norway are countries with very open economies, both exposed to a globalised economy. Our ability to build and exchange knowledge will be crucial in order to maintain skills, innovation rates and competitiveness in a rapidly changing environment.

For the Norwegian economy, which to a large extent is based on our riches of natural resources, the transformation towards a knowledge-based economy is the order of the day. As soon as the oil is drained, Norway's welfare will have to depend on an economy nurtured by knowledge and technology. These challenges are familiar to Britain as well, and I am quite sure that we have a lot to learn from Britain in order to meet these challenges. This week's agenda within education, science, and technology is, then, certainly one of many reasons for welcoming Britain to Norway and to Trondheim.

It is probably not a coincidence that Trondheim is the venue for developing co-operation within the field of education and science. Trondheim is indeed one of Norway's most important "hubs" for knowledge, education, research and innovation. A former mayor of this city used to say that Trondheim has more knowledge per square metres than any other city in Norway. I am glad that the Minister will visit some of the best institutions for research and innovation in this country during your visit to Trondheim, and I think you will find it worthwhile to have brought Britain to Norway for this week's events.

Finally, I hope the Trondheim week will reach out to the citizens of Trondheim. It seems to be an excellent opportunity to get to know Britain in different ways.

And vice versa. This city houses some of Norway's finest attractions. Trondheim offers ancient political and religious history, as well as modern urban culture and state of the art technology and science.

Let me finish by wishing you every success with the Trondheim Week. Moreover, I feel confident that British-Norwegian relations will profit from the hard work that has been laid down in order to see all these events through for this week.

Good luck. Thank you!