Statement at Press Conference with Aung San Suu Kyi

 

It is a great pleasure for me to receive Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Norway.

Daw Suu, the people of Norway have been waiting for your visit for a very long time.

Ever since you were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the Rafto Prize more than 20 years ago- we have been waiting for this moment.

And now you are here.

Welcome!

You have been a champion for your people,
you have dedicated your life to the struggle for democracy in your country.
You are an inspiration to all of us.

The new political reality in Myanmar is remarkable.

We have witnessed great changes in less than a year.

Your presence here in Oslo is a proof that your long fight for democracy and justice for your people is paying off.

Both President Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi and must be commended for their commitment to work towards political reconciliation.

Although Myanmar has undergone rapid changes, a great deal remains to be done.  It takes time for the people of a nation to put years of dictatorship and armed conflicts behind.

And we need to be realistic.

This process is not irreversible.

There will be setbacks.

There will be disappointments.

The reconciliation will be challenged by groups and individuals.

That is why the international community must engage actively behind those who work for change.

Ethnic conflicts are a threat to stability. Norway has been engaged in efforts to ensure that the ceasefires hold and to build trust between different ethnic groups.

There is a need for economic reforms after years of misrule.

There is a need for investments and development assistance to bring about change and economic development.

And it must be done to the benefit of the whole population. 

I encourage Norwegian and international companies to look to Myanmar for trade and investments.

Norway is firmly committed to support Myanmar on its path towards a more democratic and prosperous life for the people of Myanmar. 

Please Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, we look forward to your remarks.