King Olav "cast his glance," as the Norwegians say, over one of the three Pakistani independence day celebrations held in Oslo on Monday. He was warmly welcomed by hundreds of Norwegian Pakistanis, who also had invited top political leaders and former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik.

The first immigrants from Pakistan came to Norway in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, they and their descendants make up one of Norway's largest immigrant groups.

King Harald's father, the late King Olav V, was the one who coined the phrase "our new countrymen," when referring to Norway’s immigrants. King Harald also has made a point of praising Norway's emerging multicultural society.

For those efforts, he was awarded a special "bridge-builder’s" prize by the Norwegian-Pakistani community, to mark his support and "generous attitude" towards the Pakistani minority in Norway.

"We were so grateful that His Majesty showed us such huge support and was so involved after the earthquake in Pakistan last year, and that he attended a support concert in Oslo Concert House," said Aamir J Sheikh, leader of the 14th of August Committee in Oslo. "The entire Pakistani community has marked his support."

Sheikh also noted the king's most recent annual television address on New Year's Eve, when he stressed that hospitality and warmth must be the hallmarks of Norway as a country, when it comes to immigration.

"Your participation (at the independence day celebration) has made a huge impression on all of us," Sheikh told King Harald during remarks before the crowd at the SAS Hotel Scandinavia, which is located near the Royal Palace in Oslo.

The king's presence, Sheikh said, "symbolizes contact and dialogue between the minority population and Norwegian society."

Some in the audience, however, were disappointed that King Harald didn't hold a speech during the celebration.

"I missed some remarks by the king," said attorney Abid Raja. "Maybe next year."