Norway Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide extended his appreciation on Tuesday for the decision of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to start talks on principled and peaceful resolution to armed conflict.

“I would like to congratulate the government of the Philippines and the communist movement NDFP on their decision to start formal peace negotiations,” Eide said in a statement posted on its official website.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said also on Tuesday that the government and the NDFP signed the “Oslo Joint Communique” on November 23 at Oslo City Hall through Royal Norwegian Government (NRG) Special Envoy Kristina Lie Revheim.

Eide, meanwhile, said that the start of the peace negotiations between the government and NDFP “is an important and timely step towards securing lasting peace in the Philippines.”

“I was honored to be present at the signing ceremony and to witness the commitment of both Parties to bring more than 50 years of conflict to an end,” Eide said as he emphasized the important role of dialogue and diplomacy “in a turbulent world.”

Eide said that the government of Norway is looking forward to continuing to support both the Philippine government and the NDFP in the process towards final peace agreement. PND