? ?It is a honour for us that a former President of the United States of America is visiting the Faroe Islands, to present a lecture on current international affairs.? ?It is a special day for all of us, that you as a representative for the world’s largest democracy is visiting one of the world’s smallest democracies. History is in the making and hopefully a bridge is being built between two very different countries, which however, share common values regarding democracy, unity and co- operation.? ?International political disputes very often require time to reach a peaceful settlement, and sometimes the place for such negotiations can be difficult to find. I will allow myself to offer the potential of the Faroe Islands as a secure place for any such future summit meetings in the future.? ?History conveys to us that ever since the Faroe Islands were inhabited approximately 1200 years ago, various forms of “løgting” our equivalvent to a Parliament has exisited in the Islands. The underlying parliamentarian principles were an integrated part of how the Norse settlements organised their societies. The Løgting is therefore most likely the oldest parliament in Europe, and therefore we believe the Faroe Islands to be the correct location for historical agreements to be negotiated.? ?I kindly requst you to convey this greeting and invitation to all relevant international parties.? ?I wish you a successful journey and all our best wishes to the American nation. Welcome to the Faroe Islands.
By Edmund Joensen, Speaker of the House? ? ?
