THE Norwegian government has pledged to continue supporting the peace negotiations between the Philippines and the communist movement's political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), even after President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the talks.
Idun Tvedt, Norwegian special envoy to the peace process between the Philippine Government and NDF, paid a visit on Duterte in Davao City on Thursday night, February 15.
In a statement sent to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte and Tvedt had a "warm and open" dialogue on issues concerning the moribund peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the communist group.
Duterte, during his meeting with Tvedt that lasted for over an hour, expressed commitment to pursue long-lasting peace that would benefit the Filipino people, Roque said.
"The Special Envoy reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines), NPA (New People's Army), and NDF," Roque said.
"The President welcomed Norway's expression of commitment and stressed that the goal of peace must be achieved with due regard for the national interest of the Philippines. The President said the Philippines is committed to peace," he added.
Tvedt's courtesy call on Duterte came amid the Chief Executive's decision to scrap the peace talks with the communists and declare members of the CPP and NPA as terrorists.
Since 2001, Norway has served as a facilitator of the peace process between the Philippine government and the NDF consultants.
The NPA, armed wing of the CPP, has been waging an armed struggle against the government for 50 years.
The Duterte government has sought to come up with a peace deal with the communist insurgents but the peace negotiations have been terminated for several times because of the NPA's offensives against the Philippine troops.
On February 12, Duterte vowed to pay P25,000 for every NPA rebel killed. (SunStar Philippines)