KRISTIANSAND (VG) The mysterious visit to Norway to the emir of Qatar is attracting attention. Several locals work with the travel party, but at the quay in Kristiansand they are secretive about the special visit.
Just updated
On Saturday night, one of the world’s largest yachts, “Al Lusail”, docked in Kristiansand. The 100-meter-long vessel eventually turned out to belong to none other than the emir of Qatar.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed at 12.40 on Sunday to VG that the emir is on a private visit to Norway.
– This is a private visit and there are no official meetings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was notified of the visit, writes department director Tuva Bogsnes in the communication staff to Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt to VG.
Just before 1 pm, an area by the Kilden concert hall in central Kristiansand is closed. There is talk that passengers from the emir’s massive yacht will come ashore shortly.
Secretive
VG is in place in the southern village and talks to people who work in connection with the boat. But many hold the cards close to their chests.
It is uncertain exactly who, when or where someone from the massive yacht will come ashore.
Still, it seems obvious: Some important people may be on their way.
It is blowing well this Sunday on the quay at Kilden culture house. Several tourists and locals walk around the quay area and look curiously at a cordoned off area and some mysterious private drivers in suits.
– Are you waiting for the emir?
– We just enjoy the sun, we. It’s so nice in Kristiansand, says Fredrik who does not want to come forward with a surname.
On Saturday night, a plane with the inscription Qatar landed at Kjevik airport near Kristiansand, according to the local newspaper. The Emir entourage was then transported in black cars, to the yacht at the harbor in the southern village.
– Were you perhaps out to enjoy the moonlight last night as well?
– It can be, yes, says Fredrik.
– Are you many who enjoy the nice weather?
– We’re a couple more, yes.
– Now it got a little cloudy then?
– Yes I saw that. We’re still waiting.
– Waiting for what then? The sun, or maybe something else…?
Fredrik laughs.
– The sun, of course, he says cryptically.
They confirm that they are private drivers, but will not confirm whether working for the emir’s entourage.
Mysterious serving
Reidar Fredriksen is a fishmonger in Reinhartsen. He is on the quay at Kilden to deliver food to an entourage from the emir yacht.
– What are you going to serve?
– There will be some halibut, salmon and shellfish, he says.
– How many people do you bring food to?
– I do not know, it is for the entourage on the boat. I have some fish with me so we’ll see.
Fredriksen was commissioned early Sunday morning. He says that he only has raw materials and that the fish must be cooked on board.
Reinhartsen has previously delivered exclusive raw materials to a number of royals in Kristiansand harbor. During an official royal visit a few years ago, their fish were flown all the way down to Zimbabwe.
– How much do they pay today?
– Quite ordinary price.
Fredriksen estimates that there may be about ten people on board, based on how much food he has with him.
– Is the emir himself you should serve?
– I do not know, says Fredriksen
