Copacabana Palace Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,

It is indeed a great pleasure to be here in Rio de Janeiro and to meet such a distinguished gathering of Brazilian and Norwegian officials and business representatives. Your presence here today is a clear sign of the close and important relations between our two countries.

My father King Olav V paid a state visit to Brazil in 1967. In the 36 years that have passed, the relations between our countries have developed considerably, both in the political, economic, commercial and cultural sectors. During our stay, I have already seen many good examples of this.

At the moment we have spent some wonderful days in this fascinating country. We have seen the stunning architecture of Brasilia, experienced the vibrant economy of Sao Paulo, and visited the small rural community of Jaguaraiva in Paraná, where Norske Skog is responsible for one of the biggest Norwegian investments in Brazil. Finally we have reached Rio de Janeiro. This city is famous for many things: The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are unique; the carnival and the samba are extraordinary; and the football is true art.

From a personal point of view, I am very pleased to be back here in Rio de Janeiro. This Marvellous City” being the destination for our honeymoon 35 years ago, the Queen and I have a very special relationship with Rio. The connection is also special since my sister, Princess Ragnhild, and Erling Lorentzen have been living here with their family for fifty years.

The commercial links between Norway and Brazil date back much further. It was here in Rio de Janeiro that one of Norway’s very early attempts to promote trade with Latin America was made. In 1842, the schooner Nordstjernen, or the Northern Star, arrived, loaded with dried and salted fish. Ever since, ships have been carrying this speciality, “Bacalhau da Noruega”, to Brazil.

The longstanding tradition of this trade has undoubtedly linked our two countries closer together, not least through the close relationship between Brazilian importers and Norwegian exporters. Many of our exporters not only know this country very well, they are also among the few Norwegians who are familiar with Brazilian Portuguese.

Norway and Brazil share many of the same political and economic objectives as regards peace and prosperity. We are working together to realise the UN Millennium Development Goals - to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development for the world’s people. Our business communities have a special role to play in this process, at both national and international level.

Further expansion of our bilateral co-operation would be positive in this context as well. Brazil has undergone economic and political reforms that have created a new and more attractive basis for foreign investment and trade. I understand that the prospects for sustained economic growth are looking good. As a result, some major Norwegian companies are already well established in Brazil, and others are eagerly looking into the possibilities of this promising market. The large number of Norwegian business representatives that have accompanied us on our visit to Brazil is clear proof of this.

One industrial sector where we have strong common interests is offshore petroleum production. Common interests constitute the best possibility for developing fruitful partnerships. Petroleum will continue to be a major energy source for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important for us to work together to ensure the efficient and environmentally sound exploitation of our petroleum reserves.

A shared interest in exploring marine resources has also brought our countries together in the shipping sector. I know that the Queen is looking forward to visiting Niteroi tomorrow, where she will christen the Norwegian supply vessel that has been built at the Promar shipyard. I myself will have the pleasure of visiting Petrobras and meeting with Brazilian and Norwegian companies at the FIRJAN head office.

Commercial co-operation can also be greatly enhanced if we learn more about each other’s culture and people. Norwegian tourists have been travelling to Brazil for years, enjoying everything this country has to offer. Norway for her part can offer interesting cultural experiences, the clean waters of its fjords and unspoilt nature in its forests and mountains – a perfect setting for visitors who need to recharge their batteries. I hope many more Brazilians will see Norway as an attractive destination in the future.

Brazilian and Norwegian jazz musicians have had close contact for many years. The Norwegian artists we are going to hear this evening have frequently visited Brazil to play with Brazilian colleagues.

I’ll now give the floor to these musicians, and I wish you all an enjoyable evening.