President of National Legislature of Norway visits to celebrate South Africa's 20 Years of Democracy and bi-centenary of Norwegian Constitution
The President of the Storting of the Kingdom of Norway (the Grand Assembly of the Norwegian Parliament) is scheduled to visit Parliament tomorrow, Wednesday, 26 February.
This is the day on which Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan delivers the Budget Speech to the National Assembly and the Storting President, Mr Olemic Thommessen, and his delegation will attend the sitting.
The year 2014, is an important year in the history of both South Africa and Norway. As South Africa celebrates 20 years of a democratic Parliament, Norway is celebrating the 200th year of the adoption of their constitution.
The visit tomorrow is aimed at celebrating the friendship and strong relations between Norway and the people of South Africa stretching back to the anti-apartheid struggle. Wednesday’s visit will also provide an opportunity to further strengthen and renew ties between the two legislatures.
The programme at Parliament will include a bilateral meeting between NA Speaker Mr Max Sisulu and Mr Thommessen, a meeting between NCOP Chairperson Mr Mninwa Mahlangu and Mr Thommessen, a meeting with Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission Mr Trevor Manuel and meetings with the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, Mr Stone Sizani, and Leader of the Opposition, Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko.
The following photo and filming opportunities will be available:
- 10h25: The President of the Storting is received by the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Max Sisulu, MP at the entrance of the National Assembly. There is also a performance by the Parliament choir on the steps of National Assembly entrance. This is followed by signing of the distinguished Guest Book by the President of the Storting and an exchange of gifts
- 10h30: Opening of bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the NA
- 11h45: Meeting and exchange of gifts with the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Mr Mninwa Mahlangu at the Chairperson’s boardroom, S11, Ground Floor, NCOP Building
- 14h00: The President of the Storting and delegation attend the sitting of the National Assembly for the budget speech by the Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan. Mr Thommessen will be recognised in the House.
Media wishing to make use of the photo and filming opportunities should send their details to the following Media Management Unit officials by 16h00 today, Tuesday 25 February:
- Nolizwi Magwagwa - nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za (021 403 2465, 083 313 1323)
- Masego Morwe – mmorwe@parliament.gov.za (021 403 8141, 073 696 9387)
Details required are:
- Full name, ID/passport Number
- Name of media organisation
- Telephone number
- Mobile number
