A joint delegation of Colombian government officials and guerrilla leaders has concluded a week-long visit to Scandinavia as part of their search for peace.

The government's chief negotiator, Victor Ricardo, speaking from Stockholm, told the BBC that the talks had allowed the two sides to examine the Swedish model of political, social and economic development.

Mr Ricardo said this was vital because economic problems were at the root of the civil conflict that has cost so many lives in Colombia.

He added that the visit to Europe had opened new perspectives and encouraged more trust between the government and the rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service