The President of the Republic of Angola has expressed his condolences on the death of King Harald V of Norway

Luanda – The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, expressed deep sorrow on Friday at the death of King Harald V of Norway, which took place in Oslo, and offered his condolences to the people, the Government and the bereaved family.

In a message addressed to the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, the Angolan head of state highlighted the monarch’s contribution to the consolidation of a prosperous Norway and to the country’s international standing in the defence of democracy and human rights.

João Lourenço also recalled the affable manner in which King Harald V spoke of Angola and the Angolan people, particularly when discussing matters relating to bilateral relations between the two countries and peoples.

In the message, which has been made public, the President of the Republic considers that the monarch’s death leaves the Norwegian people without the calm leadership that characterised more than three decades of his reign, a period during which he forged a close bond with the citizens and was able to interpret their aspirations with wisdom.

For João Lourenço, the legacy left by King Harald V will remain in the collective memory of Norway and the international community.

The President of the Republic has asked Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to convey the Angolan Government’s condolences to the bereaved family and those close to the monarch.

King Harald V of Norway died on Friday at the age of 89 at Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet), after more than 35 years on the throne.

Harald V, born on 21 February 1937, ascended to the throne in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and became one of the longest-serving figures in Norwegian public life.

Throughout his reign of more than three decades, the monarch was associated with the modernisation of the monarchy, the promotion of tolerance and his closeness to the people, maintaining a high level of popularity in the country.

Following the death of Harald V, the Norwegian throne automatically passed to his son, the then Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53.