Norway’s king in Turkey for first head of state visit

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

King Harald V of Norway meets with President Abdullah Gül in Ankara. AA Photo

King Harald V of Norway has arrived in Ankara as part of an official visit to Turkey at the invitation of President Abdullah Gül.

Interior Minister Muammer Güler welcomed the Norwegian monarch at Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport on Nov. 4, the arrival marking the first head-of-state-level visit between the two countries since 1926, when bilateral diplomatic relations were first formed.

On the first day of the visit, the two sides will hold official talks in the Turkish capital Ankara, focusing on both political and economic aspects of the bilateral relations. Opportunities of increasing trade volume and mutual investments as well as current regional and international issues are set to be the focus of discussions to be had.

“In addition to being an oil and gas producer, Norway also has significant technological know-how and experience in the field of renewable energy,” said a president’s office spokesperson, adding that in this regard, King Harald V will participate in the opening ceremony of the “Turkish-Norwegian Partnership in the Field of Renewable Energy Resources Forum” in Ankara on Nov. 6.

After wrapping up official meet-and-greets, the King will meet with representatives of the business community in Istanbul on Nov. 7, on the last day of his visit.

“This visit of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway to Turkey will provide an opportunity to confirm, at the highest level, the reciprocal will between the two friendly and allied countries to develop and deepen mutual cooperation. It is believed the talks within this scope will contribute to the further strengthening of our relations with Norway in all areas,” Gül’s office said.