Our Europe, born of the experience of suffering and failure, is the imperative mission of reason.

That is the mission that Willy Brandt gave us in 1971, not far from here, in the auditorium of Oslo University, as the newly crowned Nobel Peace Prize laureate. A mission to promote greater solidarity, a peaceful, rule based order throughout the continent.

When Willy Brandt gave his speech back then, Edvard Munch’s monumental mural The Sun was shining behind him in all its brightness.

Fifty years later, we have gathered among German Norwegian friends in this unique Munch Museum. And just six floors below us there is the same shining masterpiece, The Sun. It reminds us of Brandt’s words - and thus of our responsibility to put the imperative mission of reason into action. There could be no better place to toast our friendship today.

Jonas, I remember another visit to a museum together. It was almost exactly 15 years ago. Back then, we opened the exhibition Not just salmon and sausages at the Museum für Kommunikation in Berlin. The occasion was a century of German Norwegian connections. In your speech, you also talked about sausages, but above all about friendship. And I would like to do the same today.

The deep friendship that binds our two countries was not a foregone conclusion. It is the result of conscious and active efforts. It is the work of Norwegians and Germans who have reconciled our countries. By that, I don’t just mean politicians, but everyone who has been curious about the other country and shared their cultures with one another. Our German Norwegian friendship is woman- and man made.

Friends share happiness but also sorrow. The brutal attack in Kongsberg has deeply shocked us all. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. It saddens me that ten years after the terrible terrorist attack in Utøya and Oslo, Norway is once again haunted by violence. At the same time, I admire the strength with which Norwegians are defying the hatred and violence that has shocked and saddened the entire country and the entire continent. They will not allow terror to wound our values of democracy, freedom and solidarity. The appointment of Utøya survivors to two ministerial posts is also an expression of the resilience of our democracy.

Ten years ago today, a dark chapter in our history came to light in Germany as well: When the National Socialist Underground was unmasked on this day, the hatred and unleashed racism that was able to take root in the midst of our society was also uncovered. The NSU's vile murders stand for a xenophobia that we will never, never tolerate in Germany!

Germany and Norway are more than just like minded partners guided by common interests. We share the same values. We know that only together we can address the global challenges of our time - be they pandemics, competition between major powers or climate change. With this common understanding, we are setting ourselves ambitious and far sighted goals. A good example is the so called green cable NordLink. Since May, it has not only connected our countries via the world’s longest submarine cable power link, but it is also an important contribution to a successful energy transition.

Jonas, you have been a true friend to me for many years. Our polar expedition in 2007 remains unforgettable. Our boat trip through the Arctic Ocean and the visit of the research station on Spitsbergen were accompanied by hot debates and impressive cold areas. I like to think back to our conversation in the hotel bar in Longyearbyen, in the world's northernmost settlement. And thanks to you I know that students there learn to defend themselves from polar bears from the very first semester.

Dear Jonas, you play a key role in the relationship of trust, in the friendship of our countries. You take Brandt’s imperative mission of reason very seriously. After our years together as foreign ministers, I look forward to working alongside you again and also with you, ladies and gentlemen, to further deepen our German Norwegian friendship - gladly also over salmon and sausages!