Croatian President Awards Diaspora Heroes in Oslo

President Zoran Milanović met in Oslo with members of the Croatian community in Norway and presented decorations and awards to associations and individuals who have contributed to the development of Croatian-Norwegian relations and the preservation of Croatian identity.

"I wish you continued success, you are all successful here in your own way. Each of you had your reasons for leaving Croatia and coming to this distant country," Milanović said at a reception organised by the Croatian Embassy in Norway, according to a statement from his office.

Milanović, who is on a two-day official visit to Norway with his wife Sanja Musić Milanović, highlighted the role of Croats in the Nordic country in preserving national identity, language and culture, as well as their successful integration into Norwegian society, CE Report quotes HINA.

"We are Croats, we are Mediterraneans and continentals. That is the part of Europe we belong to, and in some ways I admire you for succeeding here, because this is a different world," President Milanović said.

At the reception, the president presented decorations and awards to individuals and associations who have contributed to Croatian-Norwegian relations and the preservation of Croatian identity: retired Bishop of Tromsø Monsignor Berislav Grgić, Terezija Turkalj, the Croatian Community in Norway, and the football club Croatia Oslo.

Ivan Turkalj, president of the Croatian Community in Norway and head of the Croatia Oslo football club, spoke on behalf of the award recipients, recalling the long-standing dedication of Croats in Norway to their homeland.

"Over the years, we have maintained our connection with the homeland through the Croatian language, culture, customs and gatherings. We have never forgotten to love and respect our Croatia, to which we always gladly return," he said, thanking the Croatian president for the recognition.

Milanović concluded his speech by thanking the Croats in Norway "for their contribution to maintaining Croatia's presence in that country" and encouraged them to share their experiences with the homeland.

The President is scheduled to meet on Wednesday with King Harald V, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Parliament Speaker Masud Gharahkhani.