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

The head of state will convey condolences from the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to the Royal Family and the Norwegian people, as well as express gratitude for Norway’s continued support for Moldova.

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

Norway is now among Moldova’s largest development partners. Five schools in Cantemir, Cimișlia, Telenești, Ungheni, and Mereni are being renovated with Norwegian funding, with facilities adapted for children with disabilities, while teachers benefit from training programs. During the last 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 to Oslo during the first state visit by a Moldovan head of state to Norway, signaling the importance Norway attaches to its relationship with Moldova.