Dear ministers, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen

Welcome.

With this important conference, India and Denmark take a new step together towards our common goal of achieving a green future for all. Our countries have shared a common history for more than 400 years. It is my humble wish that this visit contributes to a continued prosperous journey together.

It has been almost exactly 20 years since my last visit to this beautiful country. Last time, I visited alone. This time, I am accompanied by my wonderful wife, The Crown Princess.

And while 20 years is a long time, I must say that India is just as vibrant, energetic, and colorful as I remember it. People are just as friendly, but so much has changed.

India’s economic development has been remarkable, benefitting millions of people.

And India’s green transition is now well underway, with ambitious goals to limit its carbon footprint. Our two countries share these overarching aims, and I am pleased that Denmark and India have joined forces through the Green Strategic Partnership. Together, we can support the global effort to secure a greener, more sustainable future.

The Green Strategic Partnership is mutually beneficial, and a testament to what can be achieved when working together.

Danish companies – many of whom are here today – are experts in their fields and can provide the solutions needed to fuel India’s efforts to reach its climate goals. Particularly within key areas like energy and water.

The partnership between India and Denmark represents opportunities for both our countries. In the short run as well as in the long run. Today’s conference will highlight these opportunities.

In May last year, His Excellency, the Honorable Prime Minister Modi, visited Denmark, and it was my great honor to receive him at the Indian-Danish Business Forum in Copenhagen.

During the conference, Danish and Indian companies have had productive and enlightening discussions. I am certain that today’s conference will be a valuable continuation of these talks, and I would like to thank all the companies who are represented here today.

Our visit here marks yet another milestone in a long, historic relationship between India and Denmark.

In 2020, we celebrated the 400-year anniversary of the first Danish-Indian interactions.

And on a more personal level, my mother, Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, visited India in 1963 before ascending to the throne.

Like my mother in 1963, The Crown Princess and I had the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal yesterday. What a magnificent monument and symbol of India, I hope one day I will be able to show to our children.

Today, the partnership between Denmark and India is strong. Not only do we share values and ambitions. We are both driving towards a greener and more just future.

I am positive and excited to see what the future will bring. The hundreds of years of shared history between our countries remind us of the need to think ahead and preserve a flourishing planet for future generations.

Together, let us ensure that in another 400 years our descendants can still live sustainable, healthy and prosperous lives.

Thank you.