Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
Thank you for joining us tonight, as we mark our Constitution Day, from the year 1814.
We got our full independence later, in 1905, after several hundreds of years of resilience and a longing for self-determination.
But over 200 years ago, our constitution laid the foundation for the values that we hold so high, and that we celebrate every year on our national day: our freedom, democracy, peace, and human rights for all.
Recently, we have become more and more aware that we cannot take these values for granted.
Because, as we mark Norway’s freedom and peace here tonight, wars rage in Europe and in Egypt’s neighborhood. The immense and continuing suffering of innocent civilians is impossible to imagine.
We highly appreciate Egypt’s efforts to end conflicts in the region, contribute with humanitarian aid, and receive so many people fleeing from war.
Our constitution is based on the rule of law, on sovereignty, and the individual rights of our citizens. This also informs our international engagement and our efforts to promote and support peace in other parts of the world.
Peace and security depends on an international community that is equipped to resolve global challenges.
And it depends on an international community that respects international law.
This is the best guarantee for all of us. Not least for a small country like Norway.
Therefore, we have consistently condemned breaches of international law, whether it is happening in Ukraine or in Gaza.
We enjoy a close bilateral relationship with Egypt, and highly value our dialogue on regional and global issues, whether on peace and security, or climate change and the green transition.
These are global challenges that requires common rules that bind us all, if we are to succeed.
I am happy to see that Norwegian companies and our green tech solutions are at the forefront in Egypt’s green transition, in close cooperation with the Egyptian government and partners.
I am also very pleased with our strong and growing cooperation in books and literature. We are so proud to have been the guest country at the Cairo International bookfair this year, and to see the cultural exchange that has followed.
In the deeply challenging times we live in, we need literature and art more than ever. To understand that what we have in common, is much more than what separates us.
Music also unites us. And I will now leave the stage and welcome back tonight’s excellent band.
One of the Norwegian songs they will perform, To the Youth, was written by Nordahl Grieg in 1936, when Europe was at the brink of war, where he appeals to the young generation to make their stand.
Another is the song PAF, by the duo Karpe, where one member in fact has an Egyptian background. He continues to be among the most celebrated and record-breaking musicians in Norway.
Thank you, shukran, tusen takk to all you for being here and also to my excellent team at the Embassy for making this evening possible!
I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening.
Hilde Klemetsdal,
Ambassador of Norway to Egypt
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