Dear Ms. Clark, dear friends,

To my knowledge, this is at least your third visit to Norway. Last time you were here, it was mid winter and minus 15 or more outside - and still you went skiing up in the high mountains. That’s a dedicated visitor! We are very pleased to have you back on this working visit.

New Zealand and Norway are as geographically far apart as you can get. However, what strikes me is how much we have in common.

Our two countries are similar in size and population, We have both magnificent nature with deep and steep fjords, high and snowy mountains, with clean water and a clear and blue sky - (although we don`t see enough of the latter on the west coast where I am from). And we share a strong will to preserve nature!

We also both seek to maintain open and democratic societies, with equal opportunities for all. It has been said that New Zealand is the worlds oldest democracy – as it was the first country to introduce the right to vote for women (in 1883). We both take pride in our achievements with respect to gender equality. Personally, I am pleased that no government in Norway has been formed with less that 40 % women since 1986.

The bilateral relations between our two countries manifest an unbroken tradition of cooperation and friendship. As active members of the United Nations and other multilateral organisations, we have a mutual interest in continuing our close cooperation to promote peace, security and sustainable development.

Dear Ms. Clark,

Thank you for a good meeting so far, and I am looking forward to discuss further issues with you during this lunch. This is nothing less than a historic moment; to my knowledge it is the first meeting between our two countries` Prime Ministers to take place here in Norway.

In concluding, I would like to share with you a little story from our west coast;

Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered.

Once they met as grownups, they agreed they would each give a nice gift to their elderly mother. Next time they met, they discussed the gifts they had presented;

The first said, "I built Mother a big house."

The second said, "I gave Mother a big car."

The third smiled and said, "Remember how our mother enjoyed reading the Bible? But now she can't see very well. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. Mother just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it."

Soon thereafter, the beloved mother sent out her letters of thanks.

"Dear Per" she wrote to the first son, "the house you built is so big. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house."
"Dear Pål," she wrote to the next, "I rarely use the car, I can't see very well, I am just too old to travel."
"Dearest Espen," she wrote to her third son, "you have the good sense to know what your mother likes. That chicken was delicious."

Enjoy your meal. (Thank you.)