“We share core values”

Their Majesties King Harald, Queen Sonja, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were all in attendance. The event was organised by public authorities, the Dutch organisation TMI (Too Much Information) and the Norwegian campaign Stopp hatprat (Stop Hate Speech).

King Willem-Alexander and King Harald arrive at the Deichman Bjørvika library. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, Det kongelige hoff

The seminar was the first stop on the programme for the second day of the state visit from the Netherlands.

Young champions of free speech

Representatives of various interest groups and youth organisations, including the youth organisations of the political parties, met to discuss freedom of expression and how to combat hate speech in today’s digital society. Former news anchor Mah-Rukh Ali moderated the seminar, and Minister of Culture Anette Trettebergstuen gave the closing remarks.

Youth ambassador Amanda Anvar of Stopp hatprat opened the seminar. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, The Royal Court.

The seminar was held at Oslo’s new main public library, which was named the world’s best new public library this autumn by the International Federation of Library Associations. Director Knut Skansen provided King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, King Harald and Queen Sonja with a brief introduction to the library.

Strong ties and shared values

In his speech during the gala dinner at the Royal Palace yesterday evening, His Majesty King Harald focused on the shared values and mutual understanding between Norway and the Netherlands, and the importance of working to ensure that disputing parties can discuss their differences with respect.

"As open, modern democracies, we share core values and interests," King Harald said in his speech.

"We live in a complex world, and people must show respect for each other’s differences. It is essential that we learn how to express our differences openly in discussions, using words, not violence," King Harald emphasised, and commended the King and Queen of the Netherlands for meeting with and listening to disputing parties.

Government hosted a luncheon

In the afternoon, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima had a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Government in honour of the King and Queen of the Netherlands.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre hosted a luncheon at Akershus Fortress in honour of the state visit. Foto: Patrick van Katwijk, NTB

King Harald, Queen Sonja and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also in attendance at the luncheon, where King Willem-Alexander and the Norwegian Prime Minister both spoke of the close ties between Norway and the Netherlands.

King Willem-Alexander and the other royal guests signed the guestbook at Akershus Castle. Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB

Defence cooperation

Later today, Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited the Dutch vessel HNLMS Rotterdam together with the King and Queen of the Netherlands. The amphibious warship is on manoeuvres in Norwegian waters and is docked today at Revierkaia quay in Oslo. A high-level meeting on defence cooperation was held on board, and there was a reception for members of the Dutch community in Norway before the meeting.

Seminar on board HMS Rotterdam. Photo: Robin Utrecht / Dana press

Concert at MUNCH

In the evening King Harald and Queen Sonja was guests at an event hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the new MUNCH museum. The programme included a classical concert featuring Dutch cellist Harriet Krijgh.

 Wednesday evening, King Harald and Queen Sonja was guests at an event hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court