It comes as a surprise after the peace deal he negotiated with the FARC rebels to end 52 years of conflict collapsed when voters narrowly rejected it in a referendum earlier this week.

Santos said he vowed to continue to work for peace until his last day in office

The Nobel committee said it hoped the prize would ‘give him strength to succeed in this difficult task.’

This is the press conference, when Santos was announced as the winner. (Euronews)