President attends state funeral of King Harald V of Norway

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu is attending the state funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo on 9 September, alongside other heads of state and government. The king died on 28 August at the age of 89. The ceremony is taking place at Oslo Cathedral.

The head of state will convey condolences on behalf of Moldovan citizens to the Royal Family and the Norwegian people, as well as gratitude for the constant support Norway has provided to the country.

Norway substantially expanded its support for the Republic of Moldova in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The assistance initially came in the form of humanitarian aid and was later provided through the Nansen Programme, with the Republic of Moldova being the only neighboring country of Ukraine included in Norway’s multi-year support package for Ukraine.

Norway is currently one of our country’s largest development partners. Five schools in Cantemir, Cimișlia, Telenești, Ungheni, and Mereni are being renovated with Norwegian funding, featuring spaces adapted for children with disabilities, while teachers benefit from training programs. During the past cold season, nearly 150,000 vulnerable families received assistance with heating bills through the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund, to which Norway is one of the main contributors. More than 7,000 families received vouchers funded by Norway to replace old household appliances. Norway also supports the country’s first renewable energy communities, independent media, and projects aimed at combating disinformation.

In May 2024, King Harald V and Queen Sonja welcomed President Maia Sandu in Oslo during the first state visit by a head of state of the Republic of Moldova to Norway, signaling the importance Norway attaches to its relationship with our country.