Official visit to Brazil: Official luncehon in Brasilia

Vice President Temer,
Excellencies,
distinguished guests,

Boa tarde
É um prazer estar aqui no Brasil

In all cultures, the meeting of friends and partners over a festive table establishes trust and respect. I would like to thank you, Vice-President Temer, for your generous hospitality and for the hand of friendship offered to us. I would also like to add how much I appreciate being in the beautiful Palacio Itamaraty. I am glad to have this opportunity to visit Brasilia, to experience the city and not least the extraordinary architecture of Oscar Niemeyer.

Norway’s ties with Brazil date back 170 years, and became even closer at the turn of the millennium. We believe we are a natural partner for Brazil. We also believe that there is potential to expand our relationship even further, in business, in climate cooperation and in areas of research and development. I am looking forward to learning more about all this during my visit.

My father, King Harald, was on a state visit to Brazil in 2003. And if you look back at some of the speeches he gave then, and it’s striking how many of the sentiments remain the same. It just shows that our relationship with Brazil has not changed. We are long-term partners, and intend to remain so.

I would, therefore, like to invite you all to join me in a toast to our continued friendship and collaboration.