More than 200 guests attended the reception, among them Romanian government officials, diplomats, Norwegian citizens, partners and friends of Norway. All congratulated H.E. Ambassador Øystein Hovdkinn and the Embassy’s team on the occasion. Speeches were given by ambassador Hovdkinn, president of the Romanian Senate, Mr. Mircea Geoana and Ms Alina Mihaela Bica, State Secretary within the Romanian Ministry of Justice.
The children’s choir from “The Door Romania” performed the Norwegian and the Romania national anthems. The Door Romania is a children's shelter in Mogosoaia, opened by H.M. King Harald V when he visited Romania in 1999, and supported afterwards by Norwegian NGOs.
During the event, 2 large projector screens were showing the guests photos from the EEA and Norway Grants projects that been implemented between 2009-2011 in Romania. As part of the European Economic Area (EEA) Enlargement Agreement of 2007, Norway has contributed EUR 100 million to economic and social development in Romania through the EEA and Norway Grants.