King Harald gives a speech during the gala dinner at the castle in connection with the state visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB / POOL
Of NTB | 06.05.2024 21:34:03
Policy: President Maia Sandu and the guests were served, among other things, duck breast, scallops and milk chocolate during dinner in the banquet hall at the castle on Monday evening.
Among the guests were Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap), Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap), Conservative leader Erna Solberg, Frp leader Sylvi Listhaug and Storting president Masud Gharahkhani. In addition, the crown prince couple were present.
It is the first time Norway has received a Moldovan president, and the state visit marks, according to the Royal House, that ties between the countries have strengthened in recent years.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has had major consequences for the country. The authorities have had to deal with a crisis for the economy, energy supply and national security, in addition to the fact that Moldova has taken in a large number of refugees from the neighboring country.
The visit began on Monday morning with a solemn ceremony at Castle Square to welcome the president. Earlier in the day, Sandu was taken to a wreath-laying ceremony at Akershus Fortress and a meeting with the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
On Tuesday, she will, among other things, visit Støre in the prime minister’s residence and give a lecture at the University of Oslo.
(© NTB)