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President Pastrana, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

You have travelled far to visit us. I too have travelled far – all the way from India.

I discovered that I was following in your footsteps - You visited this great country only a few weeks ago.

Today it is an honour for me to welcome you warmly to Norway. It is a true pleasure to have as our guest the President of Colombia – a country of such great riches – a land of cultural wealth, natural beauty and diversity.

Today, Mr President, Colombia is in the midst of a deep and difficult conflict. It is a conflict that has brought too much human suffering. It has gone on for too long. It may seem a paradox – but the conflict has helped bring our two countries closely together. We have a stake in assisting the people of Colombia to reach an order of peaceful existence.

Upon your election, you took brave steps:

You opened up direct dialogue with the guerillas.

You have recognized that respect for human rights is essential for a peaceful solution.

This has offered new hope for the people of Colombia.

One thing is certain: Geography never brought our countries together. Emigration and commercial exchange has historically been limited. Bilateral relations, since Norway’s full independence in 1905, could best be described as "100 years of solitude".

Yet, Norwegians are thoroughly intrigued by the magic created by Nobel laureate, Gabriel García Márquez.

We try hard to master the intricate steps of the salsa and other Caribbean rhythms – and believe me – it is not easy !

Let me add – on a personal note: Democratization in Latin America during the 1980s had a strong impact on me and many in my generation in this country.

The solidarity movements that grew up after general Pinochet’s coup in Chile and the overthrow of Somoza in Nicaragua, were important for my own political formation.

I have felt a strong bond of friendship and involvement with Latin America, when I have had the chance to visit the region.

I have made good friends there. I can fully understand Jan Egeland’s personal commitment to Colombia, after his contact with Padre García Herreros and the Motilónes Indians in his youth. His experience has meant a lot – but it is not unique.

Mr President,

The armed conflict in Colombia must and will be solved by the Colombians.And there can be no peace without human rights.Only you yourselves, can make the changes necessary to create a better country for all.

We offer our solidarity, with Colombia and its people.Our support is without ulterior motif. We believe in what you are trying to accomplish. You can count on our support.

I ask you to join me in a toast, to the prosperous and peaceful development of Colombia, and to close and warm relations between our two countries.