Prime Minister holds bilateral meetings with three Presidents

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of three Latin American countries: Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, José Raúl Mulino of Panama and Santiago Peña of Paraguay.

Human rights and democracy

The three Presidents are visiting Norway for the first time, at the invitation of this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

'Everyone is obviously very concerned about the situation in Venezuela and about the country's future. We have been clear that the will and human rights of the Venezuelan people must be respected, and that it is in everyone's interest to seek lasting solutions that comply with international law,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

At the meetings, Mr Støre conveyed the Government's views on matters of key importance to Norway, such as the need to uphold international law and safeguard the multilateral system. Other issues raised by the Prime Minister included regional and geopolitical matters, trade policy, maritime safety and security, climate change and the environment.

Trade and business

'Norway has a long tradition of cooperation and trade with Latin America, and today we have had the chance to discuss important priorities in the current situation,' said Mr Støre.

The Prime Minister also touched on the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement, which was signed in September this year and will ensure tariff-free access to the Argentinian, Brazilian, Paraguayan and Uruguayan markets for a huge number of Norwegian products.

'This free trade agreement will create opportunities for Norwegian businesses in the countries concerned. This is important for Norwegian companies and Norwegian jobs,' said Mr Støre.