The President of Iceland Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson with his wife Mrs. Eliza Reid will visit Norway from 21-23 March.
Statsbesøk fra Island til Norge - kongehuset.no
Statsbesøk fra Island til Norge - kongehuset.no
The close historical ties between the Nordic countries was celebrated when Norway for the first time in 20 years received a visit from Iceland's head of state.
After visiting several places in the capital, it was later in the evening time for the gala dinner at the Royal Palace, where King Harald opened with a speech.
With a twinkle in his eye, he spoke about Iceland's European Championship triumph, as well as the exchange of labor, football coaches, handball coaches and TV series in recent years. He believes that Norway and Iceland must stand together in the face of climate challenges ahead.
''When we see the challenges the world and our two countries face, it's good to know that we are able to stand together. The nordic cooperation is solid, and the Nordic identity binds us together. We Norwegians recognize us in depictions of milieu in the Icelandic television series "Trapped". And the Norwegian TV series "Shame" contributes to identity ties in the Nordic countries'', the king said.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) were among the 184 guests at the gala dinner. The same was handball coach Thorir Hergeirsson and several other Icelanders living in Norway. Langoustines, halibut, pork and cake was served.
The president of Iceland also made a speech. In fluent Norwegian, he made a belated congratulation in connection with King Harald's 80th birthday. He also talked about community and diversity.
''I would like to highlight the King's speech at the garden party last fall. It aroused great attention in Iceland, and I can attest to much of what was said. The residents of a country can be different, but what we have in common is that we want to live together in peace and tolerance'', he said.
On a sidenote, I'm glad that princess Astrid is there. I don't really know why, but I have a soft spot for this cool lady and her aigrettes
Not a fan of Mette-Marit's look.
The president of Iceland also made a speech. In fluent Norwegian, he made a belated congratulation in connection with King Harald's 80th birthday. He also talked about community and diversity.
''I would like to highlight the King's speech at the garden party last fall. It aroused great attention in Iceland, and I can attest to much of what was said. The residents of a country can be different, but what we have in common is that we want to live together in peace and tolerance'', he said.
The president referred to the King's famous jubilee speech who made news around the world. It was discussed on BBC/CNN etc. The King was also asked about the speech by Finnish journalists when he and the Queen was on a state visit to Finland.I find it surprising that the king's garden party speech drew attention overseas.
A 'behind the scenes' photo of CP Mette-Marit in her gala dress http://touch.vg.no/out/images/article/2017/06/21/24078615/1/box-1024x768/mettemarit.jpg
From this article which is about CP Mette-Marit and her 'teacher' Queen Sonja preparing for her job as queen. Unfortunately you can only read the article when paying.