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Ladies and gentlemen,

Since the very beginning of UN peacekeeping operations, scores of Indian and Norwegian troops have worn the Blue Helmet.

We can take pride in this effort. It has provided peace and comfort to vulnerable and war torn populations. UN peacekeepers have sent the first signals of hope to people in despair.

It is easy to focus on the negative consequences of failed peacekeeping operations. But imagine for a second the misery it would have brought if there had been no UN peacekeepers to call on during the last 50 years.

Many more people would have suffered.

Many more societies would have been pulled apart.

Many more tensions would have erupted into full blown conflicts.

India has been firmly committed to United Nations peacekeeping since the very beginning.

I pay tribute to the contributions made by India and by all the Indians who have made personal sacrifices along the road.

I discussed UN reform and the future role of peace keeping this with the Indian leadership yesterday. We have agreed to intensify our dialogue on UN affairs. That includes more focus on the causes of conflict and what the international community can do to prevent conflict from breaking out. And it includes continued cooperation on peacekeeping operations. This seminar is indeed a logic part of this commitment.

Maintaining and strengthening Norwegian participation in international peace operations is a key priority for my government. Norway is a main contributor to international peace operations. More than 60,000 of my countrymen have taken part in a total of 37 operations since 1947. More than 1 percent of our population has worn a Blue Helmet.

Today, we concentrate our military forces in the UN-mandated operations in the Balkans. We contribute 1200 personnel to KFOR in Kosovo where a Norwegian general has recently taken over the command. In addition, we take part in other civilian police and military observer missions.

Africa has seen an upsurge in conflicts during the last several years. It is of key importance that African countries enhance their capacity to participate in peace operations and conflict prevention. Africa must take responsibility. But the international community must contribute to building their capacity.

Initially, we have focused on the Training for Peace in Southern Africa Programme. We support the training of police and military officers who will take part in peace operations.

My country gives priority to civilian police participation. The Training for Peace Programme, UN training activities, and the education of new police forces in Kosovo and East Timor are key in our efforts.

We are engaged in joint and different operations. But we share the ambition of improving the United Nations’ ability to conduct peace operations.

Today, we take the first steps towards closer ties between our two countries on the preparations for peace operations.

You are preparing to give courses to peacekeepers. We are ready to discuss with you the possible participation by civilian and military Norwegian instructors at courses.

It is an honour to open today’s seminar at your newly established training centre. This centre will be the regional focal point for peacekeeping. It will contribute to future peace operations worldwide, in line with the great traditions of India in this important field.

I wish you luck in your discussions.