Thank you, for your warm welcome tonight here at the beautiful Szczecin Philharmonic.

It is a great pleasure to be back in Szcezecin. The Queen and I experienced your hospitality in 2014 - 10 years ago.

Tonight, we celebrate the close relationship between Denmark, Szczecin and Western Pomerania. We share a history that goes back many centuries. A history we now bring forward by strengthening our cooperation.

Considering the program of tonight and tomorrow, I am pleased to note the many facets of our relationship: culture, music, education, defense, history and business development. 

As neighbours, we are separated by less than 100 km of sea. But the sea is in many ways also what unites us and makes Szczecin the entry port to Poland for many Danes and Danish companies.

Looking back at the last couple of years, the European continent has changed, forcing us to find new and sustainable energy resources.

Denmark and Poland have already joined forces to establish the Baltic Pipe. Now I am proud to lead a delegation that brings together Danish and Polish companies with a focus on sustainable energy.

World leading Danish companies have reduced our dependency on fossil fuels.

The positive transformation of the Danish city Esbjerg and port is a vivid example. 

A city once synonymous with offshore oil and gas, has transitioned into a European offshore wind hub. Szczecin has embarked on the same journey.

Denmark wishes to cooperate with you in developing the great wind industry potential in Western Pomerania and Szczecin. 

Over the course of this visit, I hope we can share experiences and build new relationships united by the sea and the wind.

Thank you.

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