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Norwegian royal couple at official visit in Slovakia

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His Majesty King Harald V. and Her Majesty Queen Sonja arrived on 25th October 2010 to the first-ever official visit to the Slovak Republic. On the first day of their visit on 26.10.2010 in the Presidential palace they were welcomed by the slovak President Ivan Gašparovič and his spouse Silvia. "It´s a privilege for us to introduce Slovakia and welcome such an important visit," said the First Lady.

Norwegian royal couple at official visit in Slovakia

President of the Slovak Republic on the occasion of the official visit of the Norwegian King rendered to Harald V. the highest state award – Order of the White Double Cross, I. class. Queen Sonja is up today honored by the White Double Cross, II. class. Ivan Gašparovič was honored by his norwegian guest with the norwegian knight order – Order of St. Olaf, and the First Lady Silvia Gašparovičová received the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

Norwegian royal couple at official visit in Slovakia

In the morning Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová and Her Majesty Queen Sonja visited the Museum of Modern Art Danubiana. The museum director Vincent Polakovič acquainted the ladies with the history of the museum and presented the exhibition of the artist Jozef Jankovič entitled "Testimony on the Edge", which is a special balance of his sculpture and painting creation from the past 25 years. Danubiana very positively impressed the queen, who is a lover of modern art. "What I saw impressed me very much as well as the way it is built. I think in the future you have the chance to make this gallery a significant place for people to come," said shortly after the visit Queen Sonja.

Norwegian royal couple at official visit in Slovakia

First Lady Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová was pleased about the fact that Queen Sonja liked the exhibition. Reason for visiting especially this gallery of modern art explained the First Lady: "It was such a common idea, which was agreeded on by both parties. The exhibition is such a powerful experience of the totalitarian system, so it’s also symbolic." In joint discussions, Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová informed Queen Sonja about her charity work, which she dedicates as the First Lady of Slovakia and the President of the Slovak Foundation of Silvia Gašparovičová – Education and Health for Everybody.
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