Duterte receives Norway Envoy in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte met with Idun Tvedt, the Norwegian special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), during a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House here on Thursday, February 15.

During the more than an hour meeting, President Duterte renewed his commitment to achieve just and lasting peace in the country especially in Mindanao.

He, however, reiterated his strong stance against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison’s demand to form a coalition government.

The President stressed that such setup was “unconstitutional” and would only result in chaos throughout the country.

For her part, Tvedt conveyed the commitment of the Norwegian Government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

She expressed her admiration to the Duterte administration for showing their commitment to attain peace in the country and thanked the President for his warm welcome.

Tvedt was accompanied by Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner, Deputy Chief of Mission Kristian Netland and Senior Advisor William Hovland.

On the Philippine side, in attendance were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza and Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer. –PND