The visit began on Monday morning with a solemn ceremony at Castle Square to welcome the president.
Furthermore, Sandu was taken to a wreath-laying ceremony at Akershus Fortress and a meeting with the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. On Monday evening, the stage is set for the gala dinner at the castle.
GALL DINNER: Minister of Justice and Emergency Situations Emilie Enger Mehl before the gala dinner at the Castle. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB / POOL
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– Big consequences
According to the Royal House, the state visit marks that ties between Norway and Moldova 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.
IN PROCESSION: Conservative leader Erna Solberg and Sindre Finnes in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
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Will give a lecture
– The state visit emphasizes Norwegian support and solidarity with Moldova, writes the Royal Palace in a press release.
King Harald and Queen Sonja are hosting the presidential visit, which lasts until Tuesday.
Among other things, a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) in the Prime Minister’s residence is on the agenda. The Moldovan president will also give a lecture at the University of Oslo on Tuesday.
Oslo 20240506. Guests in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. King Harald gives a speech during a gala dinner at the castle in connection with the state visit of Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Karl Eirik Schjøtt Pedersen in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Guests in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Kjell Magne Bondevik and Bjørg Bondevik in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Guests in procession before the gala dinner at the Castle in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Queen Sonja in conversation with Moldova’s president Maia Sandu during a gala dinner at the castle in connection with the president’s state visit. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB / POOL
Oslo 20240506. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in procession before the gala dinner at the Palace in honor of Moldovan President Maia Sandu who is on a state visit to Norway. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / POOL
Large-scale dinner
The Royal House states that the menu during the large-scale dinner with 173 people is as follows:
- Asparagus with small potatoes, peas and chive mayonnaise
- Scallops with cucumber and trout roe
- Duck breast with grilled celery and broccolini
- Tind tissue with pumpkin and milk chocolate
