Former President,
when you accepted an invitation to pay a visit to the Faroe Islands you made the perfect choice. In fact you decided to visit a people with whom you have something valuable in common – namely the Irish origin.
A visit to the Faroe Islands is a visit to the islands of peace. From the very beginning the Faroe Islands were inhabited by Irish monks finding the islands the most suitable place for prayer and peaceful living. They were succeded by vikings, but later excavations from the Viking Age show no signs of weapons and during the World War II the Faroe Islands were occupied by allied troops from Great Britain. As far as we know there has been no war in this very place you are visiting.
Our ancestors, the Irish people, are known for their qualities. They are tough, they have a strong culture and they are determined. Qualities that you have exploited and which have proved your worth as a President. You have succeeded in your efforts to create a dialogue and seek peace, and now we have the honour to experience your strong personality and image.
We hope that you will experience these qualities in the Faroe Islands, too. On this stepping stone between Sweden and America you will find a micro nation that is older and younger than the United States. In this modern globalized micro society you will find the oldest parliament in the world deriving from the Viking Age, you will find a strong culture based on our own language and long traditions and highly educated, flexible, and multi tasked people and companies. Here you will find safe surroundings with clean waters and fresh seafood directly from the sea. This stepping stone in the Atlantic Ocean is an oasis for stressed, modern urban people.
You have managed to create an image of power, endurance and dialogue. We sincerely hope this positive image you have built up will be continued in American politics and we would welcome your wife as a successor of this image.
Distinguished guests,
You two have managed to meet the challenge of a globalized world. We highly respect your efforts for dialogue and peace and the professional way you have been coping with it.
By visiting the Faroe Islands you create a bridge of peace ranging from Sweden via the Faroe Islands to the United States. You made the right choice to visit us, you gave a promise and to our satisfaction - you kept it.
Very welcome!
