Troeen dinner speech at 28 BSPC

Members of Parliament,Ladies and Gentlemen,Dear guests,It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to this dinner on the occasion of the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Oslo.Together with Mr Jorodd Asphjell, the President of the BSPC, and Mr Audun Halvorsen, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, it was my honour to open the conference this morning.This year’s conference has put four main topics on the agenda. Today, you have been discussing cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region, the future of working life, and how we can best safeguard our oceans and achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Tomorrow’s session will focus on migration and integration. The point of a conference like this is to promote dialogue on matters of mutual interest in our region, which for sure has been achieved today.You have worked hard. Now it is time for a break from the meetings, to relax and have a meal together.Yesterday you enjoyed our city at sea level. This evening we have more of a bird’s eye view! We are now at Ekeberg, with a view over the Oslo Fjord and the city centre. This area, as well as the old part of town situated at the foot of this hill, were among the first inhabited areas in our fjord city.It was here that Norway’s only truly world famous painter, Edvard Munch, was inspired to create his masterpiece “The Scream” in the early 1890s. The view has changed radically since then. I’m crossing my fingers that everybody here this evening is in a better mood than Mr Munch was way back then!The BSPC is an excellent way to increase dialogue and awareness about important issues for our region. On the Norwegian side, we are honoured that my good colleague, Mr. Jorodd Apshjell, is serving as your President. I’m confident that under his leadership and with your full support, the continuation of the conference tomorrow will be as beneficial and inspirational as I understand it was today.Once again, welcome to Oslo. I hope you all have an enjoyable evening, with delicious food, excellent company and a spectacular view.