Your Majesties, Ministers, Excellencies, and distinguished guests,

Good morning.

I am delighted to welcome you, especially our friends from Spain to the opening of this important business summit.

Our nations have been close for many years but the urge to mitigate climate change has brought us even closer together.

Renewable energy, sustainable production and new technology is at the core of our shared ambitions. 

Many of the companies present today have been pioneers in driving green innovation and building transformative solutions. Solutions enabling us to shape a sustainable future.

The ties between our countries have a long history. Diplomatically, culturally, commercially. And, between our royal families.

Our seafarers met as early as the Middle Ages. And trade took off in the 16th century when the first formal trade treaty between our countries was signed by our kings.

It was during this time that Spanish explorers set sail, venturing into the uncharted and establishing trade routes connecting near and far. Denmark, with its strategic location as a gateway to the Baltic Sea, became an important hub connecting the Baltic to the Spanish stronghold on the seas.

Fast forward to the modern era, where a new stronghold ties us together: Sustainable energy. Our two countries have the same vision of becoming energy independent.

We also share the even larger ambition of becoming a major exporter of green energy to neighboring countries.

With Spain's geostrategic location and wealth of sun, wind – and not least space – the country has the key ingredients for realizing the ambition.

Ambition, resources, and innovation are key in understanding why companies from Denmark and Spain are successful in accelerating the green transition. These businesses are contributing to the development of renewable energy projects on a massive scale. And together they are making a difference to the benefit beyond both countries.

I am hopeful that the partnerships we forge today will be strong and long lasting leaving a positive impact on the climate. 

However, the backdrop of this state visit is not only the climate challenge. We find ourselves at a time where the world is facing multiple challenges: Russia’s war in Ukraine. Energy security issues. Rising tensions in the Middle East.

The impact from these global crises is unfolding as we speak. Therefore, the partnerships and innovative solutions that we explore today are crucial in building a sustainable and secure future.

That is why I hope to see partnerships between Danish and Spanish businesses deepen further and grow. Because in the face of crisis - partnerships and cooperation between friends have never been more important.

With these words, I would like to wish everyone a successful conference.

Thank you.

 

Det talte ord gælder.