Concluded State Visit in classic Argentine style
Their Majesties The King and Queen concluded their State Visit to Argentina today. The setting was a rural estancia (ranch estate) where they were able to experience Argentine culture in the form of history, dance, music and food.
The Estancia Villa María, situated in the countryside near Buenos Aires, is a Tudor-style mansion built in 1927. Today it is operated as a hotel and recreation site. The King and Queen attended a performance of gauchos, the skilled horse riders who hold a unique place in the traditions and hearts of Argentines.
The King and Queen and Jostein Leiro - Norway´s ambassador to Argentina, watch gauchos perform at Estancia Villa María. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix
The King and Queen also enjoyed tango and Latin music while a traditional grilled meal – a genuine asado – was being prepared on giant open-fire grills.
New airline routes
Before travelling to the ranch, the King and Queen were present at an event at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza International Airport. The airline Norwegian Air Shuttle is establishing services in Argentina, and has launched a number of domestic routes in addition to an international flight between Buenos Aires and London. The long-haul route will make it easier for Norwegians to travel to and from Argentina.
The Queen tied together ribbons with the Norwegian and Argentinian colours as a symbol of the new connection between the two countries. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix
As a symbol of this new connection between the two countries, the Queen tied together ribbons with the Norwegian and Argentinian colours.
Conclusion
The King and Queen will conclude their visit to Estancia Villa María and their State Visit to Argentina at the ranch this afternoon local time with a meeting with Norwegian and international members of the media. Afterwards, King Harald and Queen Sonja will partake of the Argentine grilled specialties before beginning the journey home to Norway.
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Estancia
The State Visit concluded at the rural estate Estancia Villa Maria. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpixPhoto 1 of 4 -
Estancia
King Harald and Queen Sonja at Estancia Villa Maria. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpixPhoto 2 of 4 -
Estancia Villa Maria
The King and Queen and Jostein Leiro - Norway´s ambassador to Argentina, watch gauchos perform at Estancia Villa María. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpixPhoto 3 of 4 -
Norwegian
The Queen tied together ribbons with the Norwegian and Argentinian colours as a symbol of the new connection between the two countries. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpixPhoto 4 of 4
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EnlargeFacts about Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires
Largest cities: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario
Total area: 2 780 400 km² (Norway: 385 186 km²)
Population: approx. 43.5 million
Official language: Spanish
Form of government: Republic
Head of state (2018): President Mauricio Macri
Kong Olav carried out a state visit to Argentina on 18‒21 September 1967.
Norway and Argentina enjoy excellent relations, and in recent years ties have been strengthened in various areas, most recently with the visit of the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2016.
There is growing interest in business cooperation and establishment of Norwegian business activities in Argentina.
Argentinian exports to Norway consist mainly of commodities such as fruits and vegetables, wine, leather, food and mineral oil. Norway exports mainly fertiliser and other chemical products, machinery and technical instruments to Argentina.
Source: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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