18 years have passed since Kjell Magne Bondevik met with Fidel Castro in Geneva. The hundred the cigars he got as a gift from the cuban quick resolution of commercial disputes, he has still some left.
It was in may 1998, when the World trade organization the WTO celebrated the 50-year jubiluem for the free trade agreements GATT, that the Bondevik and Castro met in Switzerland. Present was also the United states president Bill Clinton and a dozen or so prime ministers and presidents from many parts of the world.
– Castro, and I was accidentally seated next to each other on the first row in the hall where Clinton was to hold the opening speech. Clinton was as usual delayed, and we began to talk together.
Bondevik says that Castro listened as he was informed about conditions in norway, with particular emphasis on the trade and development cooperation. The conversation took place via one of the Castros interpreters.
Cheers in Miami: Celebrated Castros death
LOVE the CIGAR: Here is statsministerkandidat Kjell Magne Bondevik photographed under the KrFs valgvake in 1997. The christian democratic party has made one of their options any time and Bondevik became prime minister for a sentrumsregjering. The year after he met Fidel Castro in Geneva.
Photo: Morten Holm, NTB scanpix
Skrytte of Norway
When he the day after holding his speech to the assembly, referred him to several things we had talked about. I remember well Castro said that if all countries had made in Norway and given a percentage of the gross national product to development assistance, would all the poverty in the world has been wiped out.
Towards the end of the conference ended up Bondevik and Castro around the same lunchbord, together with the other presidents and prime ministers. Where expecting a big surprise to the Norwegian prime minister.
– Then we should serve ourselves from the table shouted Castrro suddenly in broken English: “Where is my Norwegian friend?”. I gave me to know, and Castro waving at a member of staff. Then he came with a box of a hundred of the largest Cohiba-cigars, which, of course, are the best cigars made in Cuba.
Bondevik – that has always been fond of a good cigar – says he was surprised when Castro handed over the great wooden box bursting with kvalitetssigarer.
Background: Such was the Castros life
taken by surprise
I was taken aback, but felt that I had to accept, he says.
– How appeared Castro as a person?
He was convivial, and pleasant to talk with. But he led a policy which was not always so pleasant.
For six-seven years ago it was Kjell Magne Bondevik in Cuba in connection with a meeting in Kirkenes, norway Center, where he had an office.
– At this time, Fidel Castros brother Raul assumed power, but Cuba was still an authoritarian regime with many violations of menneskrettighetene. But there were signs of a softening, among other things, got the church to work more freely than before.
also Did a lot of good
Even if Fidel Castro was the leader of a communist regime, pointing Bondevik that he also did much good for the people.
Cuba got a good healthcare, which was also free for the country’s inhabitants. The same concerning education, and he introduced jordreformer for the farmers.
– How do you think the Castros death will affect development in the country?
I hope oppmyknings and the normalisation process in Cuba will continue.
Still, there are a few cigars left in the wooden box Bondevik received from Fidel Castro in 1999.
Two-three pieces again
– I have kept two-three pieces, as a memory. They are in my office at the oslo center, says Bondevik.
But if it turns up a good opportunity, as for example, Liverpool win a trophy, you take a maybe?
– Yes, then it may be I take one.
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