OSLO - The flags of Singapore and Norway flew side by side at the Royal Palace in Oslo on Monday morning (Oct 10), in a welcome ceremony for President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

And strains of Majulah Singapura and Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet, or Yes, We Love This Country, filled the air as a marching band played the national anthems of both countries on the grounds outside the 19th century palace, the official residence of the King of Norway.

Dr Tan and his wife Mary were received by King Harald V and Queen Sonja, along with Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

The President is on a six-day state visit to Norway, the first by a Singapore head of state to the country.

Dr Tan was given a 21-gun salute from the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle about 1.6km away from the palace grounds.

He also inspected a Norwegian guard-of-honour contingent as part of the proceedings.

Later in the morning, Dr Tan visited the Akershus Castle, where he laid a wreath at the National Monument, which was built to commemorate the victims of World War II.

During his visit, Dr Tan is also scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, and Mr Olemic Thommessen, president of the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.

Dr Tan, who landed in Oslo on Sunday, will spend three days in the Norwegian capital, followed by three days in Tromso, Norway's Arctic capital.