21 April 2004, Oslo, Norway – Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway today gave the assurance of Norway’s continued support for the efforts of the Philippines to achieve just and lasting peace.  This assurance was given to Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert when she called on Prime Minister
Bondevik today in Oslo.

“Prime Minister Bondevik and I had a very warm discussion about the close relations between our two countries.  We agreed that there is still much that we can do in our relations and agreed to work towards exploring new areas of cooperation,” Secretary Albert said after her call on the Prime Minister.

The Secretary said that she was touched by the sincere desire of the Norwegian Government to continue improving relations with the Philippines. “The Prime Minister was eager to boost our relations and committed to personally pursue this,” the Secretary said.

The Prime Minister and Secretary Albert also discussed the current peace process. “Prime Minister Bondevik reiterated Norway’s strong support for our efforts at achieving peace.  He said that Norway will continue to contribute to our peace process for as long as the parties believe that Norway has a role to
play,” Secretary Albert said.

Secretary Albert is in Norway on a working visit after attending the 6th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Ireland.  While in Norway, she also met with other high officials of Norway, Norway’s business, investment and shipping sectors, and with the Filipino community. END.