Philippines President Benigno Aquino (front, third from right) poses with other leaders during the ninth Asia-Europe (ASEM) summit in Vientiane, Laos on Monday (November 5th). Norway assured Aquino's administration Wednesday that it will continue to support peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). [Jay Morales/AFP/Malacanang Photo Bureau]

VIENTIANE, Laos – Norway has assured Philippines President Benigno Aquino's administration of its continued support during its peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), local media reported Tuesday (November 6th).

During a meeting on the sidelines of the ninth Asia-Europe summit in Vientiane on Monday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg congratulated Aquino on the recent signing of the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Norway is a member of an international team set up to monitor the peace process with the MILF. It is also the third-country facilitator for peace talks between Manila and the National Democratic Front, the CPP's political wing, whose leaders are in a self-imposed exile in the Netherlands.

Gulfnews.com reported that Aquino and Stoltenberg also agreed to boost bilateral relations, particularly political and economic co-operation, as well as in the maritime, environment and labour sectors.