"It’s both powerful and deeply symbolic that my friend and colleague, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, will be here on 17^th May. We stand together with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and democracy,” says Mr Gharahkhani.

The trip is an official visit to the Storting.

Meeting Ukrainian refugees

The first item on the programme for Mr Gharahkhani and Mr Stefanchuk will be a visit to Drammen to meet Ukrainian refugees.

"I’m very keen to show my Ukrainian colleague what superb work the Blue Cross, the municipality, and local operators are doing to receive, house and integrate Ukrainian refugees. I suspect there will be some emotional moments during the meetings,” adds Mr Gharahkhani, who is himself from Drammen.

Later in the day, Mr Stefanchuk will have an audience at the Royal Palace, before the two parliamentary presidents go to Oslo University Hospital to visit injured Ukrainian soldiers. The day will conclude with an official visit to the Storting.

Guest of honour on 17^th May

On the National Day, Mr Stefanchuk will be the guest of honour during the President of the Storting’s traditional 17^th May programme. He will also make a speech outside the Storting at the flower-laying ceremony at 09:00.

"When President Zelensky spoke to the Storting, he told us that, once the war has ended, he would invite us and our children to take part in a Ukrainian children’s parade in Kyiv on one of their holidays to celebrate our common freedom. Our own celebration of freedom underlines how vital Ukraine’s fight for the same freedom is,” says Mr Gharahkhani.

On 18^th May, Mr Stefanchuk and Mr Gharahkhani will pay a joint visit to the Kongsberg Group. Among other things, Kongsberg produces the NASAMS air defence system, which Norway and its partners has donated to Ukraine.