Official visit to Canada: Speech at Museum of History, Ottawa

Excellencies,
Honourable Minister Dion,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Le Prince Héritier et moi sommes enchantés par l’hospitalité généreuse et chaleureuse rencontrée lors de notre première journée au Canada. Nous attendons avec impatience ce que nous réserve le reste de notre séjour.

Some 70 years ago King Harald experienced first-hand Canadian generosity and hospitality when he visited Little Norway where the Norwegian Air Force in Canada was based. Norway remains forever grateful for your sacrifice during World War II.

Earlier today, the Crown Prince and I were taken on a virtual tour through the Northwest Passage. This wild and inhospitable Passage was first traversed by the Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen.

Me trouver dans cette somptueuse salle dédiée à l'histoire, aux cultures et croyances des peuples indigènes de la côte Pacifique du Canada, me remplit d’émerveillement. C'est un rappel qu'aucun de nos pays ne pourrait être ce qu’ils sont sans les contributions de nos peuples indigènes.

Roald Amundsen was ahead of his time in making use of the best knowledge available. And the knowledge he gained from the local Inuit people was crucial for his many expeditions.

This reminds me of something my father in law, King Harald, reflected upon when he returned home, having spent some time with the yanomami people in the Amazonas. Having learned about their unique knowledge, special skills and deep insight – he said: “I was not quite sure whether I just left behind – or returned to – civilization…”

Indigenous peoples possess knowledge and experience worth listening to in many matters. Above all in the matter which is by far the most important for us today: The respect for life and Mother Earth. I hope we all can bear this in mind on this visit – as a common ground, a foundation, for all our bilateral cooperation.

Le Canada a su démontrer comment construire une force économique, politique et culturelle en intégrant la diversité. Le Prince Héritier et moi avons hâte d'apprendre comment cette force fait du Canada un des meilleurs pays au monde en ce qui concerne l'esprit d’entreprise.

Next year Canada will celebrate its 150th anniversary. We will also be able to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. During this visit, The Crown Prince and I look forward to exploring how to further strengthen and enrich our ties.

Innovation is key to unlocking our common potential.

We will be learning more about opportunities in the creative industries, entrepreneurship and innovation, cold climate technologies, aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, and ocean research.

These issues represent some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Let us seek solutions together.

We have some exciting and important days ahead of us!

Please join me in a toast to our continued friendship.