20 April 2004, Oslo, Norway – The Philippines and Norway today reiterated their common commitment to the war against terror, to continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq and to fair and liberal global trade.

These and other issues were discussed today by Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen in a bilateral meeting and working dinner in Oslo.

“Minister Petersen and I discussed the issue of terrorism and agreed that much remains to be done.  He said that Norway appreciated the actions and initiatives that have been taken by the Philippines and that Norway had been closely following our many successes,” Secretary Albert said after her meeting.

“On Iraq, we both agreed that there is a pressing need to continue addressing the humanitarian situation in Iraq.  We informed each other of our intention to stay in Iraq.  I briefed the foreign minister on the additional mandate given to our humanitarian contingent, that of assisting our Filipino workers in Iraq,”
Secretary Albert said.

The two ministers also discussed the challenges that would face the Philippines when it holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council in June, the month when sovereignty will be turned over to the Iraqi people. “Minister Petersen pledged the strong support of Norway for our Presidency of the Security Council in June.
 I told him that we were prepared for this task but that we would welcome all the support that we could get,” she added.

Minister Petersen also conveyed the appreciation of Norway for the contribution that Filipinos have made to Norwegian society. “Minister Petersen expressed the deep appreciation of Norway for our workers and our seamen.  He said that Filipinos have become an important part of Norwegian society.  But more significantly, the foreign minister pledged to continue protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos in Norway and on board Norwegian ships,” the Secretary said.

Among the issues discussed was global trade. “During our discussions, Minister Petersen expressed a strong desire to cooperate and consult with the Philippines on the pressing issues that are facing the current round of trade talks under the WTO,” the Secretary said.

“We both agreed that the issue of agricultural products is important and one that should be addressed by both developed and developing countries.  We agreed that we will consult each other, with a view towards helping in finding a solution.” the Secretary added.

Appearing before reporters during a break in their bilateral discussions, Secretary Albert and Minister Petersen confirmed the continuing role of Norway in the peace process and their confidence that peace talks will resume during the last week of May.  When asked about Iraq, the two foreign ministers said that both the Philippines and Norway would be staying in Iraq, saying that ”this is not the time to abandon the people of Iraq.” END.