Greeting to the National Maritime Conference
The 12th National Maritime Conference in Rostock, Germany was opened this morning. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon sent a digital greeting to the participants, speaking from an island in the inner Oslo Fjord.
The islet lies along the old sea route that linked together Oslo and ports all over the globe. The fjords have always been Norway’s gateway to Europe and the rest of the world.
The oceans provide crucial transport routes and a vast abundance of food, and have unlimited potential as a source of renewable energy. In addition they give us beauty and extraordinary experiences. But we must safeguard the health of our oceans if we are to continue to harvest their riches in the same way as we have for generations. The Crown Prince pointed out that our oceans are under threat from climate change and pollution – especially plastic pollution. He emphasised the need for the world community to take action.
Crown Prince Haakon’s greeting to the National Maritime Conference in Rostock. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, The Royal Court
German and Norway are leading maritime nations with a long history of cooperation. In the Middle Ages, Rostock and Bergen were part of the Hanseatic League, trading in salt and stockfish. Today institutions in these same cities are collaborating on the development of world-class maritime technology. This is just one example of the wide-ranging cooperation between Norway and Germany. There is huge potential for further expanding this, the Crown Prince said, and concluded by wishing the participants an interesting and successful conference.
Current news
State visit from Tanzania
Her Excellency the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, began a state visit to Norway today. Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja are the hosts of the visit, and welcomed the President to Norway in a formal ceremony at the Royal Palace.
Opens Bodø as European Capital of Culture
You invite us all to create rich and beautiful communities - at a time when coming together is more important than ever," said the Queen as she opened Bodø as the European Capital of Culture in 2024.