Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is continuing his visit to the Pacific region. On Monday, he arrived in Fiji and was received in a traditional ceremony. The Crown Prince landed on Monday morning at Nausori airport outside Suva. There he inspected an honorary guard of the nation’s troops accompanied by the Chief of Defence, Viliame Naupoto.
The Crown Prince then travelled on to the capital Suva where he was welcomed in the traditional way, with flower wreaths and a cavalry ceremony. After the ceremony, the Crown Prince attended a meeting with President Jioji Konrote in his residence, Borron House. Co-operation between Norway and Fiji in matters of sea and climate were important topics in the conversation between the two.
The Crown Prince is served kava during the welcome ceremony in the capital of Fiji, Suva. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court.
Following the meeting with the president Crown Prince Haakon also met with Prime Minister Josaia Bainimarama, who also hosted a reception on the occasion of the visit. In his speech during the reception, the Crown Prince emphasized Fiji’s important leadership in ocean and climate issues and looked forward to further cooperation on these issues which are so central to both countries.
The Crown Prince said: ”It is a great pleasure for me and the entire delegation to be here in Fiji – to see your beautiful country, to listen and learn about your society and history. Thank you for the warm hospitality you have shown us”.
Crown Prince Haakon meeting President Jioji Konrote. The president handed over a boat model to the Crown Prince. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court.
Crown Prince Haakon continued: “Fiji and Norway are far apart in geographical terms. We come from the cold north of Europe. Here in the South Pacific we have been given a very warm welcome – and we feel that we are among friends with shared interests. Our countries may be small in terms of land mass, but we are both large ocean states. The oceans are essential to our livelihoods and history. The oceans connect us”.
Crown Prince Haakon will continue his visit on Fiji on Tuesday. This royal visit is taking in the nations of Tonga, Fiji and Samoa between 5 April and 11 April. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen partnerships with small island states in the South Pacific for the promotion of common interests including seas and climate, peace and security. Royal Central will follow the visit closely and bring you the latest news from Crown Prince Haakon’s tour.
