Đurić Attends State Funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo

“Today, I had the honour of representing the Republic of Serbia, the President of the Republic, the Government and the people of Serbia at the memorial ceremony and funeral of King Harald V of Norway, who reigned for 35 years,” Đurić said.

The Serbian Foreign Minister noted that King Harald’s reign was marked by the growth and development of relations between the two countries, adding that he would be remembered in Serbia as a monarch who paid tribute to Serbian victims of the Second World War — a period during which people from Serbia, then under Nazi occupation, as well as from the so-called Independent State of Croatia, were deported to concentration camps in Norway.

“King Harald V, together with representatives of the Republic of Serbia, visited sites of suffering of the Serbian people and paid tribute to our victims, with the Norwegian and Serbian flags displayed side by side. This is but one example of his contribution to our bilateral relations. President Vučić visited Norway in November 2022, when he was received by King Harald V with the highest state honours. Moreover, members of the Norwegian Royal Family visited Belgrade as far back as the 1960s and have served as a bridge between our two friendly countries,” Đurić emphasised.

He recalled that a large number of members of the Serbian diaspora live and work in Norway, noting that relations between the two countries are characterised by mutual respect and support.

“Today’s ceremony was deeply dignified. In addition to myself, representing our Government and the President of the Republic, Crown Prince Alexander Karađorđević and Her Royal Highness Princess Katherine were also present, alongside members of European royal families who gathered here to pay their respects to King Harald V. I conveyed the condolences of the people and leadership of Serbia directly to the highest Norwegian authorities,” Đurić emphasised.

The Serbian Foreign Minister announced that an audience with His Majesty King Haakon VIII would shortly take place in Oslo.

“I am confident that relations between our two countries will continue to develop in the period ahead,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić said.