State Visit from South Africa

The State Visit is taking place in Oslo on 31 August – 1 September.

Official welcoming ceremony

The President and First Lady were formally welcomed to Norway by King Harald and Queen Sonja at a traditional ceremony on the Palace Square. Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were also in attendance.

President Zuma and King Harald inspected the King’s Guard and the King and the presidential couple took the time to talk to some of the children who had come to watch the ceremony. Afterwards the King introduced the South African guests to representatives of official institutions in Norway.

Following the welcoming ceremony President Zuma attended a meeting with President of the Storting Dag Terje Andersen, after which the King and Queen held an official luncheon at the Royal Palace for their guests.

Laying of wreath and flowers

King Harald and Queen Sonja accompanied the presidential couple to Akershus Fortress. It is traditional for visiting heads of state to lay a wreath at the national monument at Akershus Fortress. President Zuma inspected the King’s Guard before laying a wreath in commemoration of the Norwegians who lost their lives in the Second World War.

The tour then continued on to Oslo Cathedral. President Zuma and his wife laid flowers on the steps of the cathedral in memory of the victims of the tragic events of 22 July.

Nobel Peace Center

This afternoon the King and Queen and the presidential couple visited the Nobel Peace Center. The excellent relations between Norway and South Africa have a firm foundation in the support given by Norway to the African National Congress (ANC) during the fight against apartheid. The visit to the Nobel Peace Center included a meeting with representatives of Norwegian anti-apartheid organisations.

Four South African citizens have received the Nobel Peace Prize, primarily for their efforts in the struggle against the apartheid regime. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to President of the African National Congress Albert Lutuli in 1960, to Bishop Desmond Tutu in 1984, and in 1993 jointly to Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk.

There was also time to visit the current exhibition on explorer and humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen. Nansen received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for his international efforts to help refugees in the wake of the First World War.

Gala banquet

This evening the King and Queen are hosting a gala banquet for 225 guests at the Royal Palace in honour of President Zuma and the First Lady. Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner will also be in attendance.

The King’s speech at the banquet will be published soon after it has been delivered.