Celebration at the embassy
Employees at the embassy gathered in the residence for the official presentation ceremony and celebrated with speeches, cake and congratulations from near and far. Tancred Ibsen, ambassador from 1982-85, was among the previous ambassadors that contributed with nice words and warm thoughts. Ambassador Ollestad, the first female ambassador in New Delhi, highlighted the privilege it has been to work with such an action-oriented and skilled woman. Her knowledge and calmness has been invaluable and throughout her 36 years she has put down a fantastic effort for Norwegian interests in India.
Long career
Throughout her time at the embassy Julie has met the Norwegian Prime Ministers Brundtland, Jagland and Stoltenberg as well as the royal family at more than one occasion. She has also seen the embassy grow from three diplomats in 1975 to twelve today. In august next year she leaves the embassy, but is not quite ready to take it easy just yet. Social work is something she would like to focus more upon.
The embassy is grateful for the years we got together with her and wish her good luck when she next year moves on to new challenges.