Shelter Amundsen for work July 22

Stoltenberg was with State Secretary Hans Kristian Amundsen last weekend.

– It is unthinkable and deeply tragic that Hans Kristian Amundsen is dead. I think of children and Karen Marie, says Stoltenberg.

After July 22

He calls Amundsen "largely" as a political and social-democratic person, with exceptional ability to formulate important messages.

– Hans Kristian and I were close friends. We met at the AUF in the 1970s and we worked together at the Prime Minister's Office. His role, on July 22, 2011 and afterwards, greatly influenced the way Norway handled the terrorist attack and the tragedy that followed. The collaboration that Hans Kristian and I had at that time was crucial for me personally and we have been very close since then, says Stoltenberg.

– Last weekend Hans Kristian and I were together and we had a good evening, he said.

Amundsen was Secretary of State at the Labor Party in the Prime Minister's Office from 2011 to 2013, while Jens Stoltenberg was Prime Minister. He was Stoltenberg's spokesman after the terrorist attacks of July 22, 2011.

Støre i sorg

The party leader, Jonas Gahr Støre, says it's completely unreal that the old Ap politician Hans Kristian Amundsen is gone.

– It is with great sadness that we have received the message on the abandonment of Hans Kristian Amundsen. My thoughts and deepest compassion are now among the closest ones, his wife and children and the rest of the family, Støre says in an e-mail.

Amundsen died suddenly and unexpectedly on a Sunday of jogging.

– Hans Kristian was so alive in everything he was involved in. It's unreal that he's gone now, says Støre.

– I have many fond memories of our close cooperation and friendship. gratitude for the efforts he has been making for the Labor Party for several years, continues the AP leader.

Valuable support

Following the 2013 elections, Mr. Amundsen remained secretary of the Aps parliamentary group. He worked as a journalist and publisher before joining politics.

– He had a tremendous manpower, great commitment, and valuable support for me and the Storting staff. We are in sorrow. Hans Kristian will be missed, "says Støre. (AFP)