HM the King’s speech at luncheon with the Nordic Council

It is a great pleasure to warmly welcome you all to today’s lunch at the Royal Palace.

The Helsinki Treaty of 1962 laid the foundation for the work of the Nordic Council, which aims to create common solutions for the benefit of our citizens across the Nordic region. It may sound self-evident – but the truth is that we are stronger when we act together than when we act alone.

The theme of the Swedish Presidency is “Stronger together – a new era for Nordic security and preparedness.” It is a well-chosen theme. When our societies are tested, it becomes especially important that we strengthen our ties and our Nordic community.

In this context, cooperation between our countries plays a vital role. By deepening our dialogue in the field of defense and security, we help ensure stability throughout our region. The fact that all the Nordic countries are now members of Nato also contributes to our shared security.

Ladies and gentlemen,

A central priority for the Swedish delegation to the Nordic Council is to remove cross-border obstacles so that our citizens can work, study, or travel across borders without difficulty.

For such exchanges to function fully, however, there must be trust and confidence between our countries. The police station that Crown Princess Victoria and Crown Prince Haakon inaugurated on the national border at Morokulien last month is fully in line with the kind of cross-border cooperation that the Nordic Council encourages. It is a clear example of how we can remove obstacles in police work while at the same time increasing security for people on both sides of the border.

Our Nordic cooperation is also about culture, language, and the environment – about nurturing and developing what makes the Nordic region unique. In this regard, the Nordic Council’s prizes play an important role. By highlighting literature, music, film, and environmental achievements, we showcase our shared cultural heritage and our responsibility for a sustainable future.

I am confident that this week will offer many opportunities for fruitful discussions, new ideas, and partnerships.

With these words, I would once again like to extend a very warm welcome to you all. Let us together continue to strengthen our Nordic community – for the everyday lives of our citizens, for the future of our societies, and for our united voice in the world.

Once again, a warm welcome – and skål!