Norway’s king to pay first head of state visit

ANKARA

King Harald (front R) will come to Turkey upon the invitation from President Gül. REUTERS photo

King Harald V of Norway will pay an official visit to Turkey at the invitation of President Abdullah Gül in early November.

The King’s visit will mark the first head of state level visit between the two countries since 1926 when they formed diplomatic relations.

On the first day of the visit through Nov. 5-7, the two sides will hold official talks in the Turkish capital city of Ankara, focusing on both political and economic aspects of the bilateral relations, Gül’s press office announced in a press release on Oct. 28. Opportunities of increasing trade volume and mutual investments as well as current regional and international issues will be discussed during these meetings.

“In addition to being an oil and gas producer, Norway also has significant technological know-how and experience in the field of renewable energy,” the president’s office recalled, adding that in this context, 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 his official contacts, the visiting King will meet the representatives of the business community in Istanbul on Nov. 7.

“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 cooperation. It is believed the talks within this context will contribute to the further strengthening of our relations with Norway in all areas,” Gül’s office said.

In an interview with the Turkish daily Hürriyet, the King voiced his country’s interest in human rights violations in Turkey, while referring to the excessive use of force at protests during the Gezi Park unrest, as well as the situation of imprisoned journalists.

“These are Turkey’s internal affairs, but they are a matter of concern for Norway as well. These issues will also come on the agenda during meetings. There is no reason for two friendly countries to not be able to talk about every kind of problem,” he was quoted as saying by Hürriyet.