Oslo, Oct 13 (IANS): Visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on a state visit to Norway met Norway's King Harald Monday at an official reception at the Palace Plaza here. This is the first ever visit by a head of state from India to the Nordic nation that is oil-rich and enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Around 45 business persons from the Confederation of Indian Industry and other industrial organisations are accompanying the president on his two-nation official visit to Norway and Finland, a visit that is intended to attract investments from these countries into India.

Later Monday evening, Mukherjee will be guest of honour at a gala dinner at the Royal Palace hosted by King Harald and Queen Sonja.

Mukherjee is also to visit the Norwegian Parliament, where he will meet with parliament president Olemic Thommessen and also visit Oslo's Fram Museum.

On Tuesday, Mukherjee will meet Prime Minister Erna Solberg and visit the Munch Museum, as well as take part in a meeting at Næringslivets Hus or the House of Business to discuss potential cooperation between India and Norway in the fields of business, research and education.

The president, accompanied by his daughter Sharmistha, arrived Sunday evening at the Gardermoen air base at Oslo and was received by Mayor Harald Espelund of Ullensaker.

Mukherjee is accompanied by union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Pon Radhakrishnan, external affairs ministry Secretary (West) Navtej Sarna and other senior officials.