The Norwegian Royal House, The Belgian Royal House
Day Two of Belgian State Visit: Nobel Peace Center and the Opera House
Photo: The Norwegian Royal House
On the second day of the state visit, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited the Nobel Peace Center and the Oslo Opera House, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon. The Crown Prince gave a speech on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
On the second day of the state visit to Norway, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited the Nobel Peace Center and the Oslo Opera House, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon. The visits took place in rainy weather in the capital.
Queen Mathilde arriving at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo. Photo: The Norwegian Royal Court
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde inside the Nobel Peace Center. Photo: The Norwegian Royal Court
At the Nobel Peace Center, Crown Prince Haakon gave a speech addressing the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. In his speech, the Crown Prince emphasised that Belgium and Norway share a strong commitment to upholding an international order based on international law.
The Crown Prince said, among other things:
"Across our world today, we are witnessing immense human suffering caused by armed conflicts. Children are losing their homes. Families are being cut off from food, water, and medical care. Hospitals and schools, places that should offer safety and refuge, are being reduced to rubble.
This is not inevitable. It is not acceptable. And it is not lawful.
The protection of civilians is not only a moral duty. It is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law. The rules of war exist to preserve human dignity even in the darkest of times.
When civilians are protected, trust can take root. When services function, communities endure. When humanitarian aid reaches those in need, hope survives.
Protecting civilians is, essentially, about protecting our common humanity — and our shared future."
The Crown Prince concluded his speech by introducing King Philippe, whom he described as known for his strong and long-standing commitment to humanitarian principles.
Queen Mathilde, King Philippe and Crown Prince Haakon on the roof of the Oslo Opera House. Photo: The Norwegian Royal Court
From the visit to the Belgian vessel Norse Wind. Photo: The Norwegian Royal Court
Later in the day, the delegation visited "Norse Wind", a new vessel operated by the Belgian group DEME. The vessel represents the cooperation between Norway and Belgium in the maritime sector and renewable energy.