“Freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights” are the values that the Norwegian ambassador to Spain, Lars Andersen, claimed during the celebration on May 17, a national holiday in which Norwegians commemorate their Constitution of 1814.
“These values,” said the ambassador, “remind us how valuable it is to live in a free, just, and inclusive society.” Andersen mentioned the war in Ukraine and emphasized that “it reminds us that peace and democracy should never be taken for granted.” “The most important thing we can do in the fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Europe,” he added, “is to support Ukraine’s fight for its liberty.”
The Norwegian diplomat extended his commitment “to international law and territorial integrity” and made a clear case for multilateralism, as he stated, “in light of this reality, the lesson is clear: whether it is climate change, artificial intelligence, pandemics, or war, no country can face the great challenges of our time alone.”
“Solidarity and cooperation among friendly nations are essential,” he added, “which is why Norway feels especially fortunate to have Spain as a friend and ally, with which the relationship is excellent.”
Lars Andersen continued by stating that “the friendship, closeness, and mutual trust that bind us are also expressed very beautifully through culture” and he was pleased to announce the exhibition ‘Munch-Picasso, influences and affinities’, which will open at the Picasso Museum in Málaga on October 29.
The Secretary of State for the European Union, Fernando Sampedro —who coincided in describing the bilateral relationship between both countries as “excellent”— expressed his satisfaction because precisely on Wednesday, a few hours before the reception, the granting of the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation to the Global Seed Vault of Svalbard was announced, a project he described as “a true life insurance for the world.”
Sampedro also thanked for the shipment that Norway made of an air ambulance to Tenerife, at Spain’s request, to facilitate the evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship Hondius.
The Spanish Secretary of State later enumerated all the values that unite both countries, which also “share a vision of the world, a commitment to international legality and human rights, both in Ukraine and in the Middle East and anywhere else in the world with the same firmness and without double standards.”
In the field of security and defense “our cooperation is also very close,” recalled the Secretary of State, who listed the participation of Spanish units in the ‘Cold Response’ exercise, in the ‘Stinga’ mission, and in the ‘Artic Sentry’ operation. This is in addition to the recent approval of the Spanish Polar Strategy as an Observer State in the Arctic Council.
After emphasizing that “in the economic field, our relations are very close,” the Secretary of State lastly mentioned the unaddressed claim of 12,000 Spaniards —of which about one hundred remain— who served on Norwegian ships for many years. Sampedro said that “very soon we will be able to find some solution to recognize their rights, the same rights as nationals of 14 other countries that had fewer affected individuals.”
To conclude the speeches and as a surprise for the guests at the reception offered by the Norwegian Embassy on the occasion of its National Day, the singer Hanne Tveter (left) surprised attendees with her enigmatic voice. She is a renowned Norwegian singer and songwriter known for her fusion jazz style, blending her Nordic roots with world jazz, flamenco, and Latin music.
Likewise, the lyrical singer, Susanna Wolff (right), faithfully sang the notes of the Norwegian anthem. Recognized for her versatility in opera, contemporary music, and zarzuela, Susanna Wolff is a soprano and actress from Norway based in Madrid. In addition to classical opera, Susanna performs Argentine tango and contemporary music, having premiered song cycles by composer Martin Romberg.