President Milanović Meets with the Croatian Community in Norway and Presents Decorations to Distinguished Individuals and Associations
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović, accompanied by his spouse, Prof. Dr. Sanja Musić Milanović, is on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Norway. As part of the visit, President Milanović met today in Oslo with members of the Croatian community and representatives of Croatian associations in Norway. The meeting took place at a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Kingdom of Norway, during which President Milanović presented decorations and recognitions to individuals and associations for their contributions to strengthening Croatian-Norwegian relations and preserving Croatian identity.
In his address to the gathered guests, President Milanović highlighted the important role of Croats in Norway in preserving their national identity, language, and culture, while also successfully integrating into Norwegian society. “I wish you continued success – each of you is successful here in your own way. Everyone had their own reasons for leaving Croatia and coming to this distant country,” he said.
President Milanović also underscored the unique value of Croatian identity, rooted in both the Mediterranean and Central European cultural spheres. He acknowledged the cultural challenges of life in Norway and commended the Croatian diaspora for overcoming them. “We are Croats – both Mediterranean and continental. This is the part of Europe to which we belong. In a way, I admire your success here, because this is a different world,” he emphasized.
Speaking about Norway, President Milanović described it as a country with a strong identity and deeply held values: “It is not America, not a large country, nor a melting pot of every possible culture and custom. It is an ethnically and nationally distinct state – one of the most distinct countries, not only in Europe, but in the world.”
In conclusion, President Milanović thanked the Croatian community in Norway for their role in maintaining Croatia’s presence in the country and encouraged them to share their experiences with the Homeland. “Once again, congratulations to all the award recipients. I wish you, above all, good health – and I encourage you to share your positive experiences and successes here in Croatia, so that we may all learn from them,” he said.
The Order of the Croatian Star with the Effigy of Katarina Zrinska – For outstanding merit in preserving the Croatian language and identity, and for exceptional contributions to the promotion of moral and social values through many years of pastoral and social work in the Kingdom of Norway, the decoration was awarded to Monsignor Berislav Grgić, Prelate Emeritus of Tromsø.
The Order of the Croatian Star with the Effigy of Katarina Zrinska – For outstanding merit in preserving the Croatian language and identity in the Kingdom of Norway, as well as for exceptional contributions to humanitarian work, persistent support, and assistance in the reconstruction of the Republic of Croatia after the Homeland War, the decoration was awarded to Terezija Turkalj.
The Charter of the Republic of Croatia – For outstanding contributions to the preservation of Croatian identity, culture, language, and tradition in the Kingdom of Norway over more than 35 years of dedicated work, and for a significant role in the recognition of the Republic of Croatia as an independent state, the Charter was awarded to the Croatian community in Norway. The Charter was received by Mr. Ivan Turkalj, President of the Croatian community in Norway.
The Charter of the Republic of Croatia – For an exceptional, long-standing contribution to promoting unity within the Croatian community through sports activities and to preserving Croatian identity for over 50 years, the Charter was awarded to the Il Croatia Oslo Football Club. The Charter was received by Mr. Ivan Turkalj, President of the Football Club.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Ivan Turkalj reflected on the enduring commitment of Croats in Norway to their Homeland: “Throughout the years, we have preserved our connection with the Homeland – through the Croatian language, culture, customs, and community gatherings. We have never forgotten to love and respect our Croatia, and we always return to it with joy,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the President of the Republic for the honours bestowed.
On Wednesday, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović will meet with His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. He will also meet with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, and the President of the Parliament of Norway, Masud Gharahkhani.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas