Post War Discussions and Celebration of May 17th.

Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, and President Bush met in Washington D.C. on May 16, 2003 and celebrated Norway's Constitution Day in the nations capital. The two leaders discussed, in an hour long meeting, post war and international politics including the:

• Reconstruction in Iraq
• Roadmap to peace in the Middle East
• Situation in Afghanistan
• Relationship with Russia

President Bush said that he "fully respected Norway's differing view on the war in Iraq", and he was "thrilled" that Norway would provide troops for a stabilizing force to aid in the reconstruction in Iraq. The offer to send troops to Iraq, however, would only take place if it does not breach with the Geneva Conventions. Mr. Bondevik arrived in Washington on May 15 from London after meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. On May 18, he left for Paris to meet with President Chiraq.

"I told the President that I would bring along some of his thoughts to Paris. It is important that France takes an important part in reconstructing Iraq," he said, adding, "France has an important place in the UN as a permanent member of the Security Council, and we need for the Security Council to approve of resolutions that can ensure a process towards democracy and stability in Iraq."

Before his meeting with President Bush, the Prime Minister delivered the keynote speech at the Trans-Atlantic Dialogue on GenEthics and Health at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. [more].

Mr. Bondevik made it clear during his visit that the United States is still Norway's single most important ally, and had chosen to celebrate Norway's Constitution Day in Washington D.C. on May 17.