The Norwegian Royal Couple visited Finland

King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway were on a state visit to Finland from 5 to 7 June 2007. The Royal Couple arrived on board the Royal Yacht Norge at the South Harbour in Helsinki on Tuesday 5 June, 2007. After the official reception ceremonies at the Presidential Palace, the state visit programme continued with a lunch at the Helsinki City Hall, a visit to the Parliament and a wreath-laying ceremony on the heroes’ graves in Hietaniemi Cemetery. The Royal Couple also visited the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, EMMA. In the evening, President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Doctor Pentti Arajärvi arranged a state banquet at the Presidential Palace in honour of the state visit. On Tuesday, President Halonen also had private discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Jonas Gahr Störe. The topics of the discussions included energy issues, bilateral relations of Norway and Finland with Russia, the relations between the European Union and Russia and cooperation between Finland, Sweden and Norway.

Queen Sonja and King Harald of Norway, President Halonen and Doctor Arajärvi. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

On Wednesday 6 June, the Royal Couple and the Presidential Couple enjoyed a jazz concert at Esplanadi Park. Large crowds had come to see the Royal Couple’s visit. Later in the evening, King Harold and Queen Sonja held a lunch at the Royal Yacht Norge for invited guests.

Seminar on the rights of women and girls in conflict situations

In the afternoon, President Halonen spoke at the seminar on Women, Peace and Security, where Queen Sonja also gave a welcome speech. The seminar was arranged on the initiative of Norway.

According to President Halonen, the violence experienced by women and girls in war and other conflicts is becoming increasingly serious. Respect for human rights and gender equality is particularly difficult in conflict situations. “Protecting the rights of women and girls is very much a matter of attitude, and as mothers, fathers, workmates, teachers and managers we have to show this through our own actions”.

We also must pay more attention to equality in recruitment for civil and military crisis management, President Halonen said. Job descriptions for operational personnel must include clear areas of responsibility for the protection of women and girls and for ensuring their rights. “Cooperation and open dialogue with national and local authorities in crisis areas as well as with civil society – especially women’s organisations – is also extremely important”.

On Thursday, King Harald and Queen Sonja continued by the Royal Yacht Norge to Turku, where they visited Forum Marinum, the Castle of Turku and Turku Cathedral.

Pictures of the state visit of Norwegian Royal Couple

Speech by President at the seminar on Women, Peace and Security

Speech by President Halonen at a state banquet in honour of the state visit by Their Majesties the K