The Crown Prince Couple of Norway has continued their Baltic tour from Latvia on Monday to Lithuania on Tuesday. Wednesday was kicked off in Lithuania before the Crown Prince and Crown Princess went on to the last of the Baltic nations, Estonia where they spent the day and will finish their visit on today. The Wednesday was kicked off when the Crown Prince participated in a breakfast meeting on defence research collaboration between Norway and Lithuania.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in conversation with Lithuania’s President on their second day in the Baltic nation. Photo: Official Office of the President of Lithuania by Robertas Dackus / lrp.lt
Following the breakfast, His Royal Highness, together with the Crown Princess, participated in the opening of the Business Inspirational Growth seminar. At the business seminar, Her Royal Highness held a speech.
The Crown Princess said: “A favourable business environment has put Lithuania firmly on the map for doing business. As a result, more than 300 Norwegian-owned companies operate in Lithuania today…Â We are also proud that Lithuania decided last year to buy the NASAMS medium-range air defence system from Kongsberg Defence. This will pave the way for extensive cooperation between Norway and Lithuania in the defence sector.”
Lithuania and Norway stand in the same line on sustainable and socially responsible business. Therefore, a new joint project was introduced at the business forum: an electric velomobile designed in Norway and assembled in Lithuania. A large business delegation from Norway – who came together with the royal couple to Lithuania – were present at the business forum.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s speech during the seminar was met with great excitement for a fruitful cooperation between Norway and Liatuen in the future. Photo: Official Office of the President of Lithuania by Robertas Dackus / lrp.lt
The last post on the Lithuania programme was to visit the Norwegian military troops who are stationed in Lithuania through the two nations common NATO membership. Following the visit to the Norwegian troops, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit travelled on Estonia. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were formally welcomed to Estonia by President Kersti Kaljulaid at the Presidential Palace Kadriorg in Tallinn. Following the ceremony, the royals met President Kaljulaid for official talks. The formal discussions had continued in a meeting between representatives from the Norwegian and Estonian delegation.
After a meeting with the political representatives, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess planted an oak tree in Kadrioru Park. Following the tree planting, the royals participated in a meeting with the Estonian parliamentary president, Eiki Nestor. Crown Prince Haakon then laid down flowers at the National Memorial. The first day of the visit to Estonia was concluded with an official dinner in the Kadriorg Art Museum.
During the dinner, Crown Prince Haakon gave a speech where he shed light on freedom and the two nations’ shared experience of living under occupation. Crown Prince Haakon said: “Norwegians of my generation have heard the stories of the occupation in our country from our parents and grandparents. But you know first-hand, from your own experience, what it means to not be free. And because of that, you know the true value of freedom.”
Today, the visit continues in Estonia before the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple travels back to Norway.
