State visit from Finland

Relations between Norway and Finland are close, particularly in the areas of defense, business, and culture. Dialogue has grown even stronger as a result of the war in Ukraine and Finland's membership in NATO. The state visit aims to further strengthen this collaboration.

The formal welcoming ceremony began in the Palace Square, where the national anthems of both countries were played, and President Stubb, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, inspected an honor company from the King's Guard.

King Harald salutes as the national anthems are played. Photo: Terje Pedersen, NTB

President Stubb and Suzanne Innes-Stubb took the time to greet Finns residing in Norway who had gathered at the Palace Square. Photo: Terje Pedersen, NTB

Inside the Palace, the welcome ceremony continued with the exchange of gifts in the Mirror Hall and official photographs in the Bird Room. The exchange of gifts and orders is part of the tradition surrounding state visits. The gifts often represent arts, culture, and traditions from the respective countries.

Official photography from the Bird Room: (f.l.) Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, President Alexander Stubb, King Harald and Queen Sonja. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum, NTB

The official gift exchange is a time-honored part of the state visit ceremony. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum, NTB

Wreath-laying Ceremony

After the welcoming ceremony, The Crown Prince and Crown Princess accompanied President Stubb and the First Lady to Akershus Fortress, where the President laid a wreath at the Norwegian National Monument. It is a tradition for visiting heads of state to honour the Norwegian fallen from World War II in this way. The solemn ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries and also included an inspection of the honour guard.

President Alexander Stubb lays a wreath at the National Monument at Akershus Fortress. Photo: Terje Bendiksby / NTB

After the ceremony at Akershus Fortress, Crown Prince Haakon accompanied the President to the Storting, where Speaker Masud Gharahkhani welcomed President Stubb. The visit to the Storting included both a tour of the parliamentary chamber and a meeting with the Defense Committee.

Visit to Sofienberg Language Centre

Crown Princess Mette-Marit accompanied Mrs. Suzanne Innes-Stubb to the Language Centre at Sofienberg School. Here, Ukrainian refugees receive Norwegian language training as part of their integration into Norwegian society.

The Crown Princess and the First Lady learned about the experience of Ukrainian refugees entering the Oslo school system and the services the language centre has to offer the newly arrived students.

Suzanne Innes-Stubb and Crown Princess Mette-Marit visit the language centre at Sofienberg School. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB

Gala dinner 

This evening, a gala dinner will be held at the Royal Palace in honor of the state visit. The tables in the Great Banquet Hall are set for 193 guests, and the guest list includes representatives from official Norway and Norwegians with ties to Finland, in addition to the official Finnish delegation.

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit arrive for the evening's gala dinner. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB

King Harald's speech to the Presidential couple and the President's speech to the hosts are natural highlights of the dinner.

His Majesty The King's speech

Upcoming programme

The first day of a state visit includes several set events that are part of the ceremony surrounding the visit.

Tomorrow, the President will give a lecture at BI Norwegian Business School, there will be a seminar on green transition at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, and a visit to the Nobel Peace Centre. Thursday there will be a visit to the Royal Norwegian Navy’s main base, Haakonsvern, in Bergen.

The Finnish presidential couple is accompanied by a delegation of representatives from the Finnish business community, and several meetings will be held during the visit aimed at strengthening business cooperation and collaboration on the green transition.