State Visit to Croatia
Photo: www.kongehuset.no
Photographer: Lise Åserud (Scanpix)
Last updated: 16/05/2011 //
Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway paid a state visit to the Republic of Croatia in the period 12-13 May 2011. Upon arrival, the Royal Couple was greeted by the President of Croatia, prof. dr. Ivo Josipović, and the First Lady, prof. dr. Tatjana Josipović at the presidential palace in Zagreb.
This is the first State Visit by Norway to Croatia, and the King and Queen were accompanied by a large delegation of representatives from the Norwegian government and business sector. It can be considered a return visit for President Stjepan Mesić's visit to Norway in April of 2005. The goal for the State Visit was to profile Norway and Norwegian values, further develop the foreign policy cooperation within the UN, NATO, and direct attention to the region as well as topics as energy and climate.
The State visit will hopefully lay the groundwork for a increased trade between the two countries, put Norway on the map by focusing on the maritime sector, renewable energy, environmental technology and innovation, and also strengthen the cultural and interpersonal ties and increase knowledge about Norway in Croatia.