Official visit to the UK: Business Conference

Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning, everyone!

It is very nice to be back here in the UK. The Crown Princess and I have been looking very much forward to this visit. The ties between our two countries are deep and strong. Our relations rest on a foundation of a long history of cooperation.

We are partners in a wide range of areas: In politics and culture, in economy and defence – just to mention a few. I know that these ties are maintained and strengthened by all of your individual partnerships in business, trade and investment.

At a time when there is war in Europe and we are contending with complex challenges, close collaboration with friends and allies is more important than ever.

Today’s programme focuses on some of the most pressing issues of our time:

The urgent need for the green transition, in the face of climate change and the uncertainty surrounding the global energy supply. And how to leverage technological innovation to help create a more sustainable future.

Tackling these challenges will demand a lot of us, and we must work together across sectors and national borders.

These discussions cut directly into people’s lives. We must acknowledge that we are facing very tough times – intensified by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Millions of people are worrying about their future, struggling to be able to pay for heating and electricity. And as we know, this is happening at the same time as we need to work very hard to replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources.

We do need optimism. We need innovation and cooperation, bright minds and bold decision-makers.

While there are still significant challenges ahead, the green transition will create many new opportunities. Technological innovation will be vital. The UK’s know-how and creativity, and its pre-eminence as a hub for technology and finance, will continue to make it an important partner for cutting-edge Norwegian companies. Our industrial sectors, scientific communities and government institutions are working together tirelessly to implement the green transition, and are constantly learning from each other.

Carbon capture and storage and offshore wind are providing answers to some of our most pressing challenges. Norwegian and British business partners are currently building Dogger Bank Wind Farm. When it opens, it will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, capable of powering six million British homes.

Today’s business summit will help to strengthen our joint efforts to forge a new and greener path. Your collaboration and commitment will be crucial.

I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you.