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Harald V: Economic Forum Is Great Chance to Learn From Each Other
Wednesday 27 Octtber 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, October 27 (TASR) - Norwegian King Harald V and his wife Queen Sonja opened a Slovak-Norwegian economic forum in Bratislava on Wednesday.
In his opening speech at the event, entitled 'Modern Companies in a Modern Society', the King said that meetings such as these are a great opportunity for the two countries to learn from each other. He also expressed his hope that the seminar will make an important contribution to the development of trade and commerce between Slovakia and Norway.
King Harald also stated that the opening of a Norwegian embassy in Slovakia serves as a fundamental prerequisite for building stronger relations between Slovakia and the Kingdom of Norway. He also touched on the legacy of Norwegian writer Bjornstjerne Bjornson (1832-1910), a great humanist and friend of Slovaks, who promoted the rights of the Slovak nation. According to the Norwegian King, the values Bjornson once upheld can still provide inspiration even today.
Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic considers a responsible way of doing business and the provision of decent working conditions to be more important now than ever. He said that Slovak economic policy is more figures-oriented, with satisfaction and happiness lagging behind, and cited renowned businessman Tomas Bata, who said that "a good way to do business is when all those taking part are happy". Gasparovic noted that research has indicated that Norwegians are among the most contented people in Europe, so Slovakia would benefit by learning as much as possible from them.
The royal and presidential couples will also pay a visit to the town of Modra (Bratislava region) to view a gallery dedicated to the king of pop-art Andy Warhol.
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