Official visit to Malaysia

Diplomatic ties were established between Norway and Malaysia on 8 March 1968 – exactly 42 years ago today. Nevertheless, this is the first time a member of the Norwegian Royal Family has paid an official visit to the country.

Most of the visit will take place in the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. With 1.8 million inhabitants the city is Malaysia’s largest, and is the country’s financial and cultural centre.

Official greeting ceremony

An official greeting ceremony held outside the Perdana Putra Complex south of Kuala Lumpur marked the opening of the visit. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were formally welcomed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, and his wife, Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor.

After the greeting ceremony, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and the Prime Minister and his wife withdrew for discussions.

Audience with the King and Queen of Malaysia

From the site of the greeting ceremony, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit travelled to the National Palace, Istana Negara, where they were granted an official audience by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong.

Following the audience, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess held a press conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Official welcome banquet

It is seven hours later in Malaysia than in Norway, and the welcome banquet held at the residence of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib in Kuala Lumpur has come to a close.

In his speech during the banquet, Crown Prince Haakon emphasised the similarities between Norway and Malaysia. Both countries have extended coastlines, and fisheries and aquaculture are key industries. Both have major forestry interests and extensive oil and gas resources. The Crown Prince said:

“I could go on, but I think the main message is clear: Tropical Malaysia and Arctic Norway have more in common than we should think at first glance. These areas should be utilised and we should explore the possibilities for further cooperation between our two countries. The large business delegation accompanying us on this official visit proves the great Norwegian interest for Malaysia.”

The programme will continue tomorrow. Opportunities for enhancing cooperation between Norwegian and Malaysian trade and industry will be an area of focus.