MANILA – The agreement between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to revive peace negotiations is a “step closer” to lasting peace in the country, the Norwegian Embassy in Manila said Wednesday.
Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster reiterated that his government would continue to support the two sides in search of a solution to the 50-year-old armed struggle of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“Congratulations to the government of the Philippines and the NDFP for taking one step closer to lasting peace in the Philippines,” he said in a post on X.
“Norway remains a committed partner to the parties in search for a solution to this longstanding conflict. With the increased level of conflict we see in the world today, we hope that countries now can look to the Philippines for some hope,” he added.
The Philippines and the NDFP, in a joint communique dated Nov. 23, agreed to come up with a “framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation”.
The two parties said they “envision and look forward to a country where a united people can live in peace and prosperity”.
The framework, which will set the parameters for the final peace agreement, shall be agreed upon by both parties.
The Oslo joint communique was a product of a series of informal discussions held in the Netherlands and Norway starting in 2022 between the emissaries of the Philippine government and NDFP with the facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide graced the signing ceremony, which was held at the City Hall of Oslo and affirmed the continuing commitment of the Norway as a third-party facilitator. (PNA)
