Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway called the new Dutch prime minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, on Tuesday afternoon, to congratulate him on his government’s installation earlier in the day.

In the phone call Mr. Bondevik referred to the good relations between Norway and the Netherlands. He expressed his joy that Dutch Christian Democrats are back in power, and said the two countries share many views and values in international politics.

Prime Minister Bondevik said he hoped Mr. Balkenende’s government will enjoy stable working conditions, after a special period in Dutch politics.