Bolivian President to visit Norway

The President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, will be making an official visit to Norway from 19 to 21 May. Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim will host the visit.

The purpose of the visit is to continue the dialogue on how Norway can contribute to development in Bolivia. The management of gas resources and the rights of indigenous peoples are key topics. The climate negotiations and the run-up to the UN conference in Mexico this autumn will also be an important theme.

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. In 2005, Evo Morales became the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Mr Solheim visited Bolivia in 2006 and in 2007. In 2007, Norway established an embassy branch office in La Paz with a view to closer cooperation with Bolivia.

During his visit, Mr Morales will have talks with Mr Solheim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre and President of the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) Dag Terje Andersen. He will also have an audience with HM The King and attend a luncheon at the Royal Palace.

Mr Morales will conclude his visit in Karasjok, in North Norway, where he will meet President of the Samediggi (Sami parliament) Egil Olli, and take part in an event at the Samediggi.

Mr Morales and Mr Solheim will meet the press on Thursday 20 May. On the same day, they will both take part in an open meeting on Visions for solutions to the climate crisis, held by the Norwegian Latin America Research Network at the University of Oslo.

Members of the press are requested to contact the Press Duty Officer for more information.

Press Officer on international development: Mobile tel. +47 913 95 000.