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Karl Johan street decorated and the Royal Guard lined up for the state visit from Spain, spring 2006 (Photo: Sara Johannessen, Scanpix)
Karl Johan street decorated and the Royal Guard lined up for the state visit from Spain, spring 2006 (Photo: Sara Johannessen, Scanpix)

State visits

The term “state visit” refers to the official visit by one head of state to another. It is different from other official visits in that the programme has ceremonial elements such as arrival and departure ceremonies, a wreath-laying ceremony, banquets and meetings between the head of state and delegations. A state visit may also include bilateral political meetings, business conferences, activities promoting culture, trade and industry, and visits to social and cultural institutions.


State visits encourage, enhance and strengthen contact with other countries. The purpose of a state visit is to build relations and promote Norwegian interests abroad. When The King and Queen make state visits abroad, they are accompanied by the Norwegian foreign minister and representatives of the Government. When foreign heads of state make state visits to Norway, they are the guests of The King and Queen.


Between two and four state visits are usually made each year: one or two visits by The King and Queen to a foreign head of state and one or two visits by another head of state to Norway.


Please follow the links below to the first news article from each visit - again leading on to other articles, speeches, photo albums etc.