Lithuanian prime minister offers condolences after King Harald V dies

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius paid tribute to the late King Harald V of Norway and expressed his condolences at the Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius, LRT reported.

“His Majesty Harald V was a sincerely respected and loved monarch whose long service to Norway was marked by dedication, wisdom and a deep understanding of duty,” Sinkevičius said in his message of condolence.

According to a government press release, the prime minister highlighted Harald V’s leadership and commitment to democratic principles, which earned the monarch respect in Norway and beyond.

“King Harald V played an important role in fostering close and friendly bilateral relations between Lithuania and Norway and made a significant contribution to the strong ties that connect our nations today,” the prime minister said.

It was reported last week that King Harald V had died in his 90th year. He had been Europe’s oldest monarch.

Harald V had been treated at a hospital in Oslo since August 17 for hemolytic anemia. The disease is caused by the unusually rapid destruction of red blood cells and can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath.