Ambassador Terje Hauge plants the Norwegian national three- a birch- in the Park of Friendship, KalinovacPark of Friendship, Kalinovac
01/03/2010 //
On 18 November 2009 a Park of Friendship was established in the Croatian town of Kalinovac. Representatives of the President of the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Integration, the County Prefect, the Mayor of Kalinovac, several Ambassadors and parliamentarians were among the participants. Ambassador Terje Hauge represented Norway in the event.
Ambassador Hauge made a statement on behalf of the Ambassadors and planted the first foreign tree in the park. A birch – the Norwegian national tree - was chosen. In his speech Ambassador Hauge emphasised the excellent relations between Norway and Croatia. He hailed the choice of Kalinovac as venue for the event and location of the Park of Friendship. For Norway this is significant since Kalinovac is host of one of the oldest Norwegian – Croatian Friendship Association in the country. It also adds a special cultural dimension since the famous Croatian painter Ivan Lackovic Croata was born and lived for many years in Kalinovac. Lackovic Croata was one of the founders and members of the Norwegian – Croatian Friendship Association. Ambassador Hauge also emphasised the strong bonds that were created between Norwegians and Croatians and other individuals from the former Yugoslavia during World War II, when many Croatians were held as war prisoners by the Nazis in Norway. They suffered tremendously, many died, but they were helped in secrecy by Norwegians to the extent possible.