Speech by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix on the occasion of her State Visit to Norway

Madam Deputy Prime Minister,

It gives me great pleasure to be welcomed by you in these historical surroundings and to have the opportunity to meet with a number of leaders and other prominent citizens of this country.

Norway is known as a country whose progress in recent decades has been impressive. Other countries in this part of the world have also been successful, but Norway has made great strides forward largely on its own, without the support of the European Union which has been of such importance to other nations. Wise policies and prudent use of the great energy reserves that have been discovered here have meant that Norway has been able in a relatively short time to build itself a strong and independent economic position.

Traditionally, Norway and the Netherlands have largely been in agreement, both on the way in which they wish to organise their societies and on the responsibility they each feel for peace and security in the world. In these two respects we are, as the language of multilateral organisations puts it, like-minded countries.

As a consequence, our countries often stand shoulder-to-shoulder in international consultations, defend jointly-held positions and take or support initiatives together. Striking examples include our endeavours in the campaign against nuclear proliferation and our concern for developing countries. In the latter area, your country plays an impressive leading role in the actual provision of aid. A profound feeling of responsibility towards the international community is also evident from the many Norwegian contributions to joint missions, such as United Nations and NATO peace operations.

In other domains too, our countries have shared interests. A recent example is the almost 600 kilometre long submarine power cable NorNed that now physically links Norway and the Netherlands. Cooperation in the field of energy supply and in other economic sectors is, moreover, the key theme to be addressed by the Dutch economic delegation that has travelled with me on this State visit. At this very moment, the representatives of the Dutch business community are meeting with their Norwegian partners.

Madam Deputy Prime Minister,

The Norwegians and the Dutch have centuries of experience of mutual friendship and cordial relations. This makes the pleasure of being your guest here all the greater. I should like to invite those present to raise their glasses with me in a toast to a bright future for Norway and the Netherlands and to continuing cooperation between our peoples.