Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE STATE VISIT BY KING HARALD V AND QUEEN SONJA OF NORWAY TO SOUTH AFRICA FROM 25 - 28 FEBRUARY 1998
King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway will pay a State Visit to South Africa from 25 to 28 February 1998. The King and his delegation will visit the Western Cape Province, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
During his visit King Harald V will meet with President Mandela, Deputy President Mbeki, Dr Frene Ginwala, Minister Alfred Nz, Minister J Naidoo, Premier Hernus Kriel of the Cape Province; and Premier Mathole Motshekga of Gauteng.
In addition King Harald V will hold meetings with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as attend a business seminar in Johannesburg. King Harald V will also visit Robben Island; the University of the Western Cape, where he will unveil a plaque; Community House in Salt River where the King will unveil a sculpture; the South African National Gallery; Johannesburg Art Gallery; the District Six Museum; Khayelitsha, where the Royal Couple will attend a ceremony and sports meeting with participation by the physically disabled; and Winnie Ngwekazi Primary in Soweto. Queen Sonja will separately visit the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town.
The delegation accompanying King Harald V will include Ms Hilda Frafjord-Johnson, Minister of International Development and Human Rights and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Lars Sponheim. Norway maintains excellent relations with South Africa and was a staunch supporter during the struggle for democracy. President Mandela visited Norway three times before becoming president, including his visit to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Between 1977 and 1994 Norway channelled funds totalling R800 million in general aid as well as through United Nations agencies to South Africa. Norway has also undertaken to supply South Africa with transitional development cooperation for five years until 1999, totalling R300 million.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 22 FEBRUARY 1998