Jens Stoltenbergs speech at
Official
visit of H.E. Mr Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan.
Akershus Castle, Oslo 24 January 2006
Check against delivery
Mr.
President,
Madam Begum Sehba
Excellencies
Dear guests,
This
is the first visit to Norway
of a Pakistani President. It is a great privilege to wish you heartly
welcome. There are many of us who have
been looking forward to this visit for a number of reasons.
A
very important reason was brought home to the whole of Norway in the evening news last night when we
followed the atmosphere of the meeting between you and the more than thousand
representatives of the flourishing Pakistani community in Norway. They had come to greet you and to listen to
your message.
That
meeting explained better than words why Norway
and Pakistan
have come closely together. Even if our countries are very different, the
people of Pakistani origin who have come to live here have strengthened our
relations. They have made Norway
richer economically and more diverse and interesting culturally.
Today,
the second generation of Pakistanis, those born in Norway and who are raised with our
culture enter new fields of society, - business, law, politics and media. Many
of them are among the best and the brightest.
Tonight
we gather in appreciation of the strengthening relations between our two
nations. We both agree that there is a great potential for further bilateral
cooperation. Pakistan and Norway can
strengthen people-to-people relationship, bilateral trade and investment, and
ties between our public institutions.
Mr.
President,
I
hope you have already felt the deep concern with which Norwegians of any creed
and background have reacted to the earthquake.
The
earthquake struck such a chord of sympathy and dismay in Norway. Almost all of us know someone of Pakistani
origin. It was immediately clear that we had to assist as best we could. Pakistanis in Norway stood up for fellows,
friends, and family. There was a massive, spontaneous support.
Mr.
President,
Poetry
is held in great regard in Pakistan
– and I believe we in Norway
should appreciate more the skill and value of such painting with words.
One
of the greatest urdu poets, Ghalib (utt.
Khalip), who lived some 200 years ago, speaks to us on the confinements of a limiting worldview.
“How
narrow the world is for the oppressed, -
so narrow that the sky is no larger than the egg of an ant”.
The
message is simple and direct: Oppression is limiting – freedom is
enabling.
Freedom,
tolerance and understanding are not qualities that can be achieved once and for
all. They require constant nurturing and effort.
By
respecting each other while allowing differences of tradition, outlook and
opinion we are making the world bigger. And we are making it better. This
applies in both in personal and international relations.
Allow
me to express my respect for the efforts you are making in the fight against
terrorism.
Today
in our discussions you explained to me how you plan to contain the roots of
extremism, not with military, but with political means, in a quest for
enlightened moderation, with a strong focus on the education of new
generations.
We support
you and wish you every success in that endeavour. We, too, hope to see a Pakistan that
is prosperous, and where people are safe and live in freedom.
Mr
President,
When
visiting Pakistan
a month ago, I was treated to a toast. I have been given to understand that
this is a somewhat rare occurrence at official banquets in Islamabad. It gives Ingrid and me great
pleasure to be able to return the gesture to raise a toast to you, your wife,
your Government and the people of Pakistan.
To your health.
